Matthew Joseph Hite
March 17, 1986 – December 21, 2024

On December 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, Matthew Joseph Hite was welcomed into glory by his Lord and Savior. He was 38 years old.

Matt was born on March 17, 1986, at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida. He graduated from Winter Springs High School in 2004 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Advertising from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville in 2008.

Before attending college, Matt spent a transformative summer in San Diego with Campus Crusade for Christ. During his college years, he was deeply involved with InterVarsity and began working at Black Creek Outfitters (BCO) in 2006. After earning his degree, Matt continued at BCO for 12 years, rising to the position of General Manager.

While at BCO, Matt's passion for the outdoors and helping others flourished. He became a Bic Surf & SUP Ambassador, traveling extensively and appearing on the "Facing Waves" YouTube channel. In 2009, Matt spearheaded the Arc Project, a surf and water safety camp for at-risk youth in Jacksonville Beach. In 2014, he launched the Special Olympics Standup Paddleboard program, which continues to impact lives. He was also active with the American Canoe Association (ACA), where he certified SUP instructors and championed paddlesports.

Matt's deep connection to nature reflected his faith. He experienced the beauty of God through surfing, fishing, lobstering, paddle-boarding, outrigger canoeing, camping, music and traveling—often alongside his beloved wife, Marianne, and family.

Matt had an extraordinary talent for design and building. His creativity and skill extended to remodeling two homes, where his ability to envision and bring ideas to life left lasting impressions. His work combined artistry and functionality, demonstrating his passion for creating spaces that reflected his love for family and community.

Matt and Marianne were married in 2013 at The Wilbur Boathouse in Wilbur By The Sea, and in 2018, they welcomed their son, Jeffrey James (JJ). Shortly after JJ's birth, the family moved to the Ormond Beach area to be closer to family.

In Ormond Beach, Matt pursued a new calling as a teacher and later joined Volusia County Beach Safety as an EMT and lifeguard. His commitment to serving others led him to the Law Enforcement Academy, and in January 2021, Matt was proudly sworn in as a Law Enforcement Officer.

Just before his 35th birthday, Matt was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Despite the challenges, he faced this battle with unwavering faith and courage, undergoing clinical trials at Duke University. Matt saw his diagnosis as a gift, often saying, "It made God seem more real to me." His faith, love for God, and dedication to people inspired all who knew him.

Matt is survived by his wife, Marianne; their 6-year-old son, JJ; his parents, Jeff and Julie Hite; his sisters, Sarah Doss (and family) and Annie Hite (and family); as well as countless friends and loved ones who were touched by his kindness, strength, and faith.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 25, 2025, at 1 PM at Salty Church in Ormond Beach, Florida. A paddle-out ceremony will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations that were close to Matt's heart:

• Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke
Attn: Ellen Stainback
DUMC Box 3624
Durham, NC 27710.

• Angel Flight Soars, Inc.
2000 Airport Rd., Suite 227
Atlanta, GA 30341

Matt's legacy of faith, love, creativity, and service will forever remain in our hearts.

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