Billy Isaiah Mathews, 94, of Georgetown, Texas, went to be with his heavenly father on October 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving family and many friends. Born January 30, 1929 in Concord, Texas, the son of Waymon and Della James Mathews and was the oldest of four siblings. He was raised on various farms around the Bangs and Brownwood, Texas, area. In 1950 while in college, he joined the Army and proudly served in the Korean War. After an honorable discharge he moved to Fort Worth looking for work where he not only found a job, he also found the love of his life, Clara Lee Henderson. They met on a blind date and six months later were married in Florence, Texas, on September 11, 1953. They recently celebrated their 70th anniversary.
Billy built military helicopters until he retired in 1979. After retirement he volunteered doing mission work with Texas Baptist Men Ministries. This took him to Mexico, all over the U.S., Brazil, two different two-week trips to Japan, Russia and Estonia. He enjoyed this time and loved sharing his mission work experiences with others.
Billy was an avid hunter and fisherman. Most weekends he could be found in a boat or deer blind, depending on the time of year. He was a talented home and furniture builder, a bee keeper, a master gardener, welder, tinkerer and so much more. He was an active Mason for 40+ years. He was also a proud descendant of Jesse James and enjoyed talking about that fact.
His entire life he never stopped attending church. He was a deacon and served on many church committees over the years. He was an active member of Crestview Baptist Church until his health prevented him from doing so. He was a wonderfully, colorful storyteller and would share memories of his varied life adventures with anyone who would listen, he never met a stranger. Anyone who knew him loved him and his outgoing personality. He fiercely loved God and his family. We will forever miss his loving presence and Christian spirit in our lives.
Preceded in death by his parents Waymon and Della, his brother Delmer Mathews (Doris), and sisters, Dell Brixey (Buddy) & Nina Lee Baker Martin (Othel & Eddie).
Billy is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Clara Mathews; his three children: Billy Mathews (Charlotte), Lisa McEntire (Kent), Leigh Ann Egli and one honorary son Marty Simpson. Grandchildren: Katy Cox (Ryan), Brandi Brame (Jacob), Robin Watson (Jeff), Matthew Simpson, Trey McEntire (Johnnie), Samantha Kuykendall (Kurtis), Miranda Wheeldon (Ian), Joey & Michael Egli. Great-grandchildren: Remington & Stonewall Cox, Hunter & Ryder Brame, Braden & Clara Watson, Skye & Bobby McEntire, Tessa Kuykendall, Scout Wheeldon, Gladen, Ellie & June Smith.
A Memorial service will be held at Crestview Baptist Church of Georgetown, Texas, on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 11 a.m. Interment will be family only at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Texas Baptist Men Ministries at: Ways to Give · Texas Baptist Men (tbmtx.org) or Crestview Baptist Church at: Giving | Crestview Baptist Church (peoplesharingjesus.com)