Timothy Pu'ela Matavao

Timothy Pu’ela Matavao, 33 years of age, was born in Kailua, Hawaii on January 20, 1988, to Pavitt Elizabeth Matavao (Danielson) and Kilifi T. Matavao, Jr (deceased).  Tim passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at 11:23 am at the Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia.

Tim had a beautiful, loving, nurturing, caring, and forgiving heart. Known to most as a “Gentle Giant” – he always shared his love for his friends and family.  He was a protector and provider for those closest to his heart.  Tim has 15 nieces and nephews who love their uncle very much.  They are going to miss his hugs, his beautiful singing voice, and his big contagious smile.  He was supportive of all their sports and was always there to make everyone laugh.  Everything about him was GIANT, especially his heart.

On July 3, 2020, Tim didn’t let the COVID Pandemic stop him from sharing his heart with the love of his life, Tiffany Nicole Morgan.  Amid the pandemic, he married his longtime friend.  They met in church when he was two years old and were friends for many years before tying the knot.

Tim was so humble and always the team player.  He knew how to pull people together and make them function as a team.  He did this for the Hinesville Hurricanes Football team, playing a key role in bringing the city of Hinesville their first football championship.  He was always grateful and had unwavering faith in God and His eternal plan.

Tim was preceded in death by his father Kilifi T. Matavao, Jr (2019) and his brother Kilifi T. Matavao, III (2014).

Tim is survived by his wife Tiffany (Morgan) of Hinesville, GA; his mother Pavitt E. Matavao of West Jordan, UT; his brothers George L. Matavao of West Jordan, UT (Wife: Sa’ane Tokelau); Newel F. Matavao of Las Vegas, NV (Wife: Leslie Arner); Joseph F. Matavao of Columbia, SC; and Auvae W. Matavao of Victorville, CA (Wife: Josephine Tauoa); his sisters Marie F. Slack (Matavao) of Alexandria, VA (husband: Ronnie L. Slack); and Salamasina L. Matavao of Hinesville, GA; and 15 nieces and nephews.

His friends and family will celebrate his life on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 1PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 220 Sandy Run Drive, Hinesville, GA 31313. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made using CashApp ($MFSlack20) and Venmo (@Marie-Slack) to help offset the cost of this unexpected loss.

To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.carteroglethorpe.com.