W.C. "Bill" Mathews Jr.

1934 - 2024

William Clinton Mathews, Jr., known by most as Bill, departed this life from Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo on Monday, June 22, 2024 at age 90. Bill lived a purpose-filled life which always included God, family, community, and lots of fun. Born in New Albany to the late William Clinton Mathews, Sr. and Miriam Robbins Mathews, Bill spent his childhood in Tupelo, graduating from Tupelo High School in 1952. He continued his education at Mississippi State University receiving a degree in Construction Management. A patriotic American, Bill served in the U. S. Air Force in the post-Korean war era, being honorably discharged. On September 18, 1954, he married Virginia Timbes, daughter of the late Bill and Gladys Timbes of Tupelo, a marriage of almost 70 years. Born to this union were Matt, Lisa, and Gay. A close-knit family, the Mathews enjoyed many, many wonderful moments at Pickwick where there was always happiness, boating, swimming, great meals, and fellowship galore. Bill and Virginia also enjoyed cruising and house-boating. An outdoorsman, Bill loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed life and lived it large! Bill spent much of his working life in business with his in-laws at Bill Timbes, Inc., the local distributorship of Tom's snack products, managing the operation for many years. Bill was a member of the Tupelo Kiwanis Club and an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Tupelo, serving on the Building Committee. He was a brilliant southern storyteller and an avid woodworker who was famous for giving his cork trivets to friends and family. Bill cut a wide path and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be from 11:30 AM to 1 PM Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in the Parish Hall at All Saints Episcopal Church, 608 West Jefferson St. in Tupelo, with a Family Funeral Service to follow. Inurnment will be in the Church Columbarium. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their dear friends.

Bill is survived by his wife, Virginia of Tupelo; his children, William Clinton "Matt" Mathews, III and his wife, Mary of Magnolia, TX, Lisa Mathews Wiygul and husband, Jim, and Gay Mathews Ramsey and husband, Scott, all of Tupelo; Pop's beloved grandchildren, Cole Wiygul (Bridget), Jessica Burke (Luke), Jess Wiygul (Katie) and Tyler Ramsey; his great-grandchildren, Mae, James, Kaiser, Weldon, Forman, Ramsey, Loftin and Darby; his brother, Dan Mathews and wife, Kay; and a host of nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Virginia Frank Mathews Maxcy.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, P. O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803, or All Saints Episcopal Church, 608 W. Jefferson, St., Tupelo, MS 38804.

Condolences for the family may be left on Bill's memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.