William Matthews Flack
August 14, 1947 – June 6, 2026

William Matthews Flack lived a life of service to his family, his friends, his country, his community, and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Known to many simply as “Flack,” Bill was a man of deep faith, unwavering loyalty, and infectious humor. He loved his family, baseball, Corvettes, firearms, motorcycles, and the many friendships he cultivated throughout his life.

Born in Staten Island, New York, to Audrey Adair Matthews Flack and William Joseph Flack, Bill attended Curtis High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Dolores Anna Green. The couple married before Bill proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed in Da Nang as a firefighter responsible for damage control under enemy fire. They later welcomed two children, William Joseph “B.J.” Flack—named in honor of his father and grandfather—and Kathleen “Katie” Flack.

In 1973, Bill moved his family to Cape Canaveral, Florida, where he would spend the remainder of his life and become an active member of Christ Lutheran Church.

Bill’s distinguished career in public service began with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, where he helped establish one of the agency’s first motorcycle squads while operating Flack’s Police Supply from his home. He later served as a security officer for Pan Am at Kennedy Space Center, where he joined the S.W.A.T. team and earned national recognition in marksmanship competitions.

In 1986, Bill joined the Cocoa Beach Police Department, where he served for twenty-four years as a patrol officer, beach patrol officer, corporal, and detective. He was also a Police Academy instructor, teaching firearms, defensive tactics, and physical fitness while mentoring future generations of law enforcement officers. As the D.A.R.E. officer for Roosevelt Elementary and Cocoa Beach High School, he became a trusted role model for countless local students.

A devoted father, Bill coached Little League, attended sporting events, and taught his children the values of discipline, responsibility, and self-reliance.

One of Bill’s favorite stories began while working beach patrol in Cocoa Beach, where he met the love of his life, Suzanne “Suzi” Flack. Their chance encounter grew into a thirty-two-year love story, including twenty-eight years of marriage. He warmly welcomed Suzi’s daughter, Alexa, and her husband Marcus into his family.

Following his retirement in 2011, Bill and Suzi enjoyed traveling the country, visiting family, friends, and the grandchildren he adored. He treasured his family, his faith, his pastor, and the lifelong friendships he built throughout his years of service, especially his brothers in uniform.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne “Suzi (Soozer)” Flack; son, William Joseph “B.J.” Flack and wife Kristi; daughter, Kathleen “Kate/Katie” Flack; stepdaughter, Alexa Graul and husband Marcus; grandchildren Andrew Flack and wife Tara, Addison Flack and wife Rachel, Gavin Graul, and Declan Graul; and his first great-grandchild, Callum Flack.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Joseph Flack; his beloved mother, Audrey Adair Matthews Flack Nachison; and his stepfather, Harold Nachison.

A viewing will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, at Christ Lutheran Church in Cape Canaveral, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Bill will be laid to rest with Naval Honors at 1:30 p.m. at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Christ Lutheran Church through the PayPal link at the bottom of the church’s website: www.christlutheranchurchcapecanaveral.org

Bill’s life was a testament to faith, service, loyalty, and love. His greatest legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the officers and students he mentored, and the family and friends who were blessed to know him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

In honor of Bill’s laid-back nature, please dress casually.