Floriculture Industry Mourns Sudden Passing of Matt Willoughby

Matt Willoughby, Vaughans Web

Matt Willoughby

Vaughan’s Horticulture was sad to announce the sudden passing of Matt Willoughby, 45, a sales representative for the Carolinas and Tennessee, and a member of the company’s key account team.

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A kind and loyal friend to many, Willoughby grew up in the horticulture industry. As an Alabama native, he learned at an early age by working in his father’s greenhouses and retail garden center. Willoughby earned his B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from Mississippi State University. He then worked for leading industry growers such as Layman and Hines Horticulture, where his responsibilities included sales, among other things.

Willoughby found his true calling as a broker sales representative in 2011 at Henry F. Michell before joining the Vaughan’s Horticulture team in 2018. Along the way, he helped countless customers with his out-of-the-box thinking, created personal connections, and built long-lasting friendships.

A true plantsman, Willoughby was highly respected in the floriculture industry for his deep knowledge and being a trusted partner in addition to his unwavering commitment to quality and service. His passion for horticulture was virtually unmatched and his relationships with breeders, customers, and vendors were all built upon his sincere desire to help others.

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“Matt will be missed by many in our industry, both in North America and internationally,” says Nathan Lamkey, President of Vaughan’s Horticulture and McHutchison. “His passion for floriculture and ability to build relationships allowed him to quickly establish a reputation for being a creative thinker who loved to develop new opportunities for his customers and vendors. We have already received many personal notes about Matt from customers, coworkers, and peers all sharing how they will miss his guidance and friendship.”

Matt leaves behind his loving wife of 19 years, Jennifer, and three children: son Samuel and daughters Mason and Connor.

“As we mourn for a life taken too early, we need to focus on the family that Matt has left behind,” Lamkey says. “We have created a GoFundMe page as a platform to raise money for the Willoughbys, and we are asking our industry to help support Matt’s young family by making donations.”

To make a donation, please click here. Greenhouse Grower also invites you to offer a personal tribute in the Comments box below.

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