Mr. Joe Billy Matthews

Joe Matthews died peacefully in his home on July 7, 2026, at age 83. He was a follower of Jesus Christ and beloved father, grandfather, husband, and friend.

Joe was lovingly known as Pops or Uncle Joe. He was born in Vernon, Alabama, to Hezzie Thomas and Maxine Gilmer Matthews on October 11, 1942. He grew up in Lamar County, Alabama, before attending Mississippi State University in 1961-62. In college, he met Trudie McIlwain. The couple married on June 22, 1962. They lived in Vernon for a short time before moving back to Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. Joe and Trudie were married 60 years before she passed away in 2022. They were parents to three children, Lee, Amanda, and Todd.

Joe’s career largely focused on customer service. Whether in sales functions or service calls, he demonstrated strong work ethic and integrity. Holding positions over the years at the Oktibbeha County Co-Op, Dowdle Gas Co., and Western Auto, he enjoyed meeting and working with people all over the Golden Triangle region and beyond.

Joe took care of his family. He and his wife were devoted caretakers for their oldest son Lee for nearly 60 years. He also cared for other loved ones during their time of need. He was always available to help a friend or neighbor, and many of his friends were co-workers with whom he worked alongside and developed strong and lasting bonds of friendship.

Joe was pre-deceased by his wife, Trudie, and son Lee, his parents, and his sister, Betty Matthews Christian, and her husband, Lynnwood, as well as his son-in-law, Marshall Maxcy. He is survived by his daughter, Amanda Maxcy, and son Todd (Allison) Matthews, as well as grandsons Aaron (Maria) Orr, Matthew (Summer) Orr, and Samuel (Hannah) Matthews, and his granddaughter, Sarah Matthews, and her fiancé, Elliot Hall. Great grandchildren include Paisley and Beau Orr, and Liam, Levi, and Henry Orr.