Dr. Howard Mattice

Dr. Howard Mattice 1935-2010

Beloved professor goes home to be with the Lord

By: Kelly Fichtner

Posted: 2/16/10

Instead of teaching a young boys' Sunday school class Sunday morning, Dr. Howard Mattice, went home to be with his Lord January 17, 2010. Mattice was a professor in history and education at Clearwater Christian College.

The viewing and funeral service in his honor was Thursday, January 21, 2010, in Dunedin, Florida. Many students and faculty from CCC attended the funeral to say their final goodbyes and to support the family of Dr. Mattice.

Dr. Mattice leaves behind a brother, William, two sons, Stephen and Kevin, and grandchildren.

As posted on the College website, www.clearwater.edu, Mattice said, "My heart's desire is to see my students mature spiritually, intellectually, and socially. I want them to become beacons for Christ in this present spiritually-darkened world."

"Teaching at Clearwater Christian College has fulfilled my dream of being a member of a community of Christian scholars and students whose common purpose is to serve our God. My passion for teaching stems from the joy of observing students increase in faith and knowledge as they prepare for their chosen life's work."

Mattice became a part of the CCC faculty in 1990 after twenty-nine years of teaching in the public school system of New York City. He taught in both the College's education and history departments and served as chairman of the department of education for several years. He had served on several committees, most recently as chairman of the library committee.

After a brief retirement in 1999 and the death of his wife, Elaine, Dr. Mattice returned to the College in 2002 as a part-time professor of education and history.

A member of Starkey Road Baptist Church, Mattice helped teach a fifth grade boys' Sunday school class. He even wrote several articles for this student web newspaper, The Angle.

President of Clearwater Christian College Dr. Richard Stratton said, "Dr. Mattice was always enthusiastic and encouraging others in their walk with the Lord. I was always pointed to Jesus while talking with Dr. Mattice."

Dr. Mary Draper, Vice-president for Academic Affairs, noted that "Dr. Mattice loved students, and he loved Clearwater Christian College. Teaching and working with the students were his life's blood. Dr. Mattice was a wise and caring faculty member, and he is greatly missed. Though part time, he chaired a committee, advised social studies education majors, and helped in any way he could."

Dr. Gary Smith, chairman of graduate studies, observed that "Dr. Howard Mattice was a tremendously gifted Christian educator who greatly contributed to the quality of the education programs at Clearwater Christian College. He was my mentor and loyal friend, and I will truly miss him."

Additional information about Dr. Howard Mattice is available on the CCC website: http://www.clearwater.edu/news/campusnews.asp?ObjectID=768.