Jimmy Hearne Mattox Sr., 88, Mauriceville

Jimmy Hearne Mattox Sr., 88 of Mauriceville, Texas passed away on April 11, 2023, peacefully at his home.

Born in Newton County, Texas, on June 21, 1934, He was preceded in death by his parents William and Lenora Mattox, brother Dub Mattox, sisters Ruth Ann Cash, Doris Hart, and Mozelle Cobb, his very loving and devoted son, Chuck Mattox. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Linda Mattox; daughter Tammy Campbell and husband Geoff of New York; sons Tracy Mattox of Conroe, Texas; Jimmy Mattox II and Justin Mattox of Mauriceville, Texas; sister Jane Mathews of Athens, Texas; Nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren; and his two furry companions Charlee and Heidi.

Dad was an Air Policeman in the United States Airforce. After his service he became an ironworker through Local 125 where he worked for 36 years.

Dad led a full life. He kept it simple, but there was nothing simple about it. He always had a plan. He always kept a schedule. You could always count on him.

Dad was firm in what he believed, but he was also warm and compassionate.

Dad was the most genuine person. Everyone loved him that met him. He was mild mannered and funny. He would tell the same jokes and stories over and over with the same verve as the very first time. He had a silent laugh that would alone bring the room to tears laughing.

Dad was fit as a fiddle. He was always dressed for the day. The last year was hard but at 87 he could outwork most men a quarter of his age. He thought he looked like an old codger, but he was as studly an older man as there ever was.

Dad loved to cook. He would do so every day with his big meal on Sundays. Dad was a master in the kitchen. Every week we had elaborate meals. “Them boys worked all day. They need something to eat” he would say. He outworked us all.

Dad had stages through his life. He was a hunter, a trapper, a farmer, but always a gardener. He worked the land. He planted a garden every year and his bible was the farmer’s almanac. Dad would count every seed he planted, every vegetable he picked, and every pepper that went into a pepper sauce jar.

Dad was generous. He always picked a bag of vegetables or oranges for whoever came to visit. A willingness to do for others came naturally to him.

Dad loved his sports teams. The Astros, the Rockets, and the Cowboys. He never pronounced a single players name right, but he never missed a game. He loved Gunsmoke and the Virginian. He’s watched 80 years’ worth of westerns and seen them all “about hundred times” as he would say.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to his granddaughter Alexandria Delaney Mattox for her love and endless devotion to her Grandpa. You were great kiddo. We would also like to thank the nurses, doctors, practitioners, and therapists from the VA that helped our dad through the years.

Dad was as solid as they come. If it was cold there was a fire in the fireplace, if you were hungry there was a meal, if you needed him, he was always there. To put simply, there was none better. We will keep the grass cut, the fire burning, and the coffee brewing. We will love you always. “Cha-dee-da”.