Celebrating the Life of

Clinton Mathis, Jr.

May 23, 1946 -July 7, 2021

Clinton Mathis, Jr. was born on May 23, 1946 in Bessemer, Alabama.  He was the son of Mr. Clinton Mathis, Sr. and Mrs. Mary Houston Porter (Mr. Shirley Porter).  Following the death of his father, at a young age, his family relocated to Oxford, Mississippi where he grew up with his family.   As the second oldest of 13 children (2 brothers and 10 sisters), Clinton appointed himself as overseer / inspector of chores and homework.  He loved his family and always encouraged everyone to be the best that God created them to be.

Clinton was educated in the Oxford Public Schools where he was Business Manager for the Class of 1964 and graduated with honors, as Valedictorian from Central High School.   He exemplified early leadership skills as president of the Central Hi-Y, a national organization that helped to build Christian character, sportsmanship, scholastic achievement and leadership training.   Following high school, he received numerous scholarships and attended RCA Institute, Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute and New York Institute of Technology.   After graduation, he was employed with New York Telephone /NYNEX and later Area Manager with Bellsouth in Tennessee.  He continued a career in Telecommunications for over 40 years and retired in 2008 from AT&T as Regional Manager / Director of Network Services in Charlotte, NC.

Clinton served four years (1968 – 1972)   in the United States Air Force where he ranked as Sergeant with honorable service.  He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service as a Weather Observer and Rawinsonde Operator at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

Clinton was a loving and caring husband and father.    On October 15, 1969, Clinton united in marriage with his High School Sweetheart, Joyce Ann McEwen.  They first met in elementary school in a "Tom Thumb Wedding", but not as the bride and groom.  They relocated to Queens, New York in 1971 and to this union, God blessed them with two darling daughters, Tamara Louette and Melissa Inez. While living in New York, Clinton became a very active Civic leader in the Wheatley Heights, New York Community.  He was also the first African American to run for School Board election in the Half Hollow Hills School District.

Clinton accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age at Second Baptist Church in Oxford, MS and faithfully journeyed and served in ministry throughout his life.  After joining with his wife at First United Methodist in Central Islip, NY, he became a passionate Confirmation teacher and Stewardship Officer.   After a job transfer to Memphis, Clinton and his family joined Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, where he was a very dedicated Sunday School teacher, ordained as a Deacon and later ordained as an elder.   Following God's charge to "Feed My Sheep", Clinton served as chairperson of the Manna Outreach Ministry that delivered baskets of food to seniors in the Memphis area.  Until his health began to decline, he continued to worship and serve God while living in NC.  Keeping the charge to feed God's people, he contributed and volunteered with assembling food from the Community Table at Friendship MBC, Charlotte and faithfully donated to food drives at United Metropolitan MBC, Winston-Salem.

Clinton was called home to be with the Lord at Oak Forest Health and Rehabilitation Center on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.   Awaiting Clinton in heaven were his parents; and 4 sisters, Virginia Campbell, Linda Faye Gipson, Betty Joyce Bridges and Karen Mathis.  Precious memories of his love and compassion will be cherished and live on with his loving and caring wife, Joyce  "Murph" Mathis of Winston-Salem, NC; 2 daughters, Tamara Thompson (Dwight) of Winston-Salem and Melissa Mathis of Charlotte; 3 grandchildren, Victoria Thompson, Zion Mathis and Dwight "DJ" Thompson; 6 sisters, Vanessa Jackson (Anthony) of Bay Shore, NY,  Ester Grace Mathis, Elizabeth Mathis, Phyllis Fox (Quinton), Stephanie Webb and Joyce Renae Mathis of Oxford, MS; 2 brothers, Harvey Mathis (Everlene) of Oxford, MS and Charles "CD" Mathis of Chicago, IL;  2 brothers-in-law,  Sam McEwen (Debra) and Warren Murphy (Valerie) of Memphis, TN; 2 dearly loved cousins-in-law, Bennie Buchanan of Middletown, OH and Barbara Claybon (Joe) of Hendersonville, TN; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives, friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbors, and extended church family.

Our Family is so appreciative of any expressions of love extended to us during this time of bereavement.

In lieu of flowers, you can honor our dear Clinton through donations to the United Metropolitan Baptist Church Endowment Fund and proceeds will be designated towards scholarships for talented and deserving students.

~The Mathis Family

Public viewing will be held from 3:00pm until 6:00pm Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

Private services will be held Thursday, July 15, 2021. The service will be live streamed on the Russell Funeral Home Facebook page beginning at 1:00pm. Interment will be held at 9:00am Friday, July 16, 2021 in Salisbury National Cemetery.