Joseph W. Mathews Sr.

Although Joe Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois, he moved with his parents to Birmingham, Alabama when he was about 7 years old. He spent the remaining 90 years enjoying life in Huffman, Roebuck, East Lake, and Woodlawn until finally settling in Homewood. He loved fishing and boating on the Tennessee River at South Sauty Slough, with beloved family members. His favorite school was the great outdoors.

He served in the U.S. Navy in WWII, working on naval aircraft radios and instruments. Following discharge, he had a career working for various iterations of “the telephone company” – Southern Bell, South Central Bell, and AT&T. Before and after retirement, he enjoyed many hobbies – finding, collecting, trading and selling old things, antiques, guns, arrowheads, Civil War books, WWII German Aviation relics and other historical treasures.

His primary love was his wife, Doris Evans Mathews, who made his life sweet, in spite of his slightly wild and crazy investments in pretty or interesting collectables. Throughout his life he enjoyed the comfort of dogs (and a raccoon in his youth), but his favorite dog was “Scrappy” – a much spoiled miniature Schnauzer.

Joe Bill and Doris had two sons, Joseph W. Mathews, Jr. (Bill) and James McVeigh Mathews (Jim)– neither of whom could out-fish him or tell taller tales.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred V. Mathews and Virginia A. Mathews, and his beloved wife, Doris. They shared 62 happy years together.

He is survived by sons, Bill Mathews (Melinda), Jim Mathews (Debbie), grandchildren, Joe Bill Mathews (Kathy), Melanie Mathews Grein, Ginger Mathews Leonard (Steve), Mac Mathews (Ashley), Mason Mathews; great granddaughter, Lyndsay Leonard; great grandson, Ben Mathews; great granddaughter, Evie Mathews; and many much-loved nieces and nephews.

In his later years in Homewood, he enjoyed the company of Celia Nash and her family; his many friends at Brookdale University Park; and his long-time trading buddies.

A private burial service will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 2 pm at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Ridout’s Valley Chapel on Monday, December 19, 2016 – fellowship beginning at 1 pm with a celebration service at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, 300 Snow Drive Birmingham, AL 35209, or to your favorite charity. Ridout’s Valley Chapel directing.