Billy Mathews

Billy M. Mathews

A resident of Walker, Billy passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Nottingham Regional Rehab Center. He was 90, born in Mentone, Alabama, raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, and a retired car salesman.

Billy proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He served in four invasions in the south Pacific, including the first invasion of the Philippines under General MacArthur. He served as a Seaman First Class Gunner's Mate aboard the U.S.S. Manning (D.E. 199) during WWII, and on the aircraft carrier "Wasp" during the Korean Conflict. Billy was a member of the local VFW and American Legions. He had the honor of being the Grand Marshall in the first and second Veteran's Day Parades in the town of Walker. He was entered into the WWII Registry of Remembrances in the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. for participating in WWII and helping our nation with the greatest military victory in history. Aside from being an active veteran, Billy was an avid camper and car enthusiast.

Billy is survived by his wife, Lola Mathews; three daughters, Diane Brown (husband Ken), Terri Mathews, and Yvonne Ashmore (fiancée Larry Rougeux, Jr.); three sons, Billy E. Mathews (wife Linda), Mark Mathews (wife Sandra), and Shannon Meaux (wife Kelli); a brother, Clayton Mathews (wife Wanda); six grandchildren, Dustin Mathews (wife Brittney), Stephanie Mathews (fiancee Trey Blanchard), Justin D. Ashmore, Loren Neely, Jason Mathews, and Melissa Young; six step-grandchildren, Austin, Abigail and Noah Young, Bailey Meaux, and Jordan and Chelsea Cohen; a great-grandson, Silas J. Ashmore, and another great-grandson on the way.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Opal Jones; and his parents, Jesse E. and Pearl Ivens Mathews.

Visiting at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, on Wednesday, December 16, from 5-9pm, and on Thursday, December 17, from 9am until religious services in the chapel at 11am, conducted by Rev. Jay Avance. Interment with military honors to follow at LA National Cemetery. Pallbearers are Dustin and Jason Mathews, Larry Rougeux, Jr., and Shannon Meaux.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.BakerFuneralHomeOnline.com

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