James Ed Mattox

Belden - James Ed Mattox, 95, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2018, at his residence. He was born in Tupelo March 10, 1923, to Carey Cavenaugh Mattox and Annie Sparks. James grew up in Lee County and was a 1940 graduate of Tupelo High School. Early in life, he was involved in fertilizer sales in the family business and helping on the family farm. From 1943 until 1946, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy where he was a specialist engineer, draftsman and Petty Officer 3rd Class during World War II. He had also worked as a commercial land developer later in life but will most notably be remembered as the owner and operator of Mattox TV and Repair Service, where he sold and repaired televisions. He had a love of airplanes and spent a number of years as a private pilot. James was married to Rebecca "Reenee" Mattox for 26 years. He cherished his children and family and considered raising his family one of his greatest accomplishments.



James had been a devoted member of First Baptist Church since 1984. For a number of years, he served as a Deacon and was a Chairman of the Stewardship Board. He was also on the Board of Directors for Hope Family Ministries and was a member of the Lions Club where he was given the Kevin Jones Award for Humanitarian Services.



The family would like to say a special thank you to North Mississippi Medical Center Home Hospice and James's caregivers, Diana, Tina and Tracey.



Survivors include; three sons, James "Jim" Clay Mattox and his wife, Marietta of Columbia, John "Steve" Mattox and his wife, Mary Catherine of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina and Benjamin "David" Mattox (Donna) of Medina, Tennessee; one step-son, Robert Cates and his wife, Amy of Tupelo; one daughter-in-law, Barbara Groves Mattox of Arlington, Virginia; eight grandchildren, James FitzGibbons Mattox of Greenwood, Robert Noles Mattox and his wife, Amy of Hattiesburg, Stephen George Mattox and Carrie Ann Mattox of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Alexander Bradley "Brad" Mattox and his wife, Erin of Chesapeake, North Carolina, Matthew Paul Mattox of Starkville, Benjamin Carey Mattox and Claire Armstrong Mattox of Arlington, Virginia; three step grandchildren, Josh Cates of Starkville, Anna Beth Cates of Tupelo and Matthew Cates of Tupelo; and four great-grandchildren, Trenton Maeleigh, Noah Noles, Axel Voss and Colter Carey.



He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Lucille FitzGibbons Mattox; one son, William Carey Mattox; and one brother, Billy Mattox and his wife, Margaret.



Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time Saturday, March 17, 2018 at W.E. Pegues, Tupelo.



Services with military honors will be 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Dr. Gayle Alexander and Rev. Mike Marecle officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park.



Pallbearers will be Deacons of First Baptist Church.



Memorials may be made to Hope Family Ministries, 2754 Mattox St. Tupelo, MS 38801, First Baptist Church, 300 N. Church St. Tupelo, MS 38804, The Lee County Chapter of The American Cancer Society, 607 Main St. C Tupelo, MS 38804 or the Lab School of Washington 4759 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC 20007.



The service will be live streamed and recorded for those who may not be able to attend at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .



Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .