Col (Retired) Dr. Roy Clyde Mathews was born to parents, Roy and Nellie Mae Mathews in Bangs, Texas on January 19, 1935 and departed this life on March 26, 2024 at the age of 89 in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister (Mayesie Mathews Burke), and his devoted and faithful wife of 46 years, Janis Willey Mathews.
He completed his early schooling in the Bangs, Texas school system. He was active in the local church as well as the Boy Scouts of America earning the level of Eagle Scout with a Silver Palm. He would later serve as a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts. He also served as a 32nd degree Mason, and Shriner. He was active in the Shriners when serving in his first duty station at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. He was also a licensed Ham Operator.
Dr. Mathews graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and Biology from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and his medical degree from University of Kansas City College of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, Missouri. Throughout his medical career as a family practice provider, he often boasted about delivering over 2000 babies. He served communities in his family medical practices in Texas and Colorado for nearly 20 years. He volunteered his time in various capacities and with organizations throughout his civilian medical career including Boy Scouts of America, sports medicine physician for local sports teams (Bonham Warriors, Wylie Bulldogs, and Arkansas Razorbacks), and in free clinics for the indigent and underserved populations. He also served as a county medical examiner
In 1980, he joined the US Air Force and began his military career retiring after 20 years of service. He served as a flight surgeon, Chief Flight Surgeon and Chief of Aerospace Medicine during his time in the Air Force. His military career took him to 57 countries with over 3000 flight hours in 15 different military aircraft. He received many commendations and awards over the course of his military careers and was proud to have flown with 3 US Presidents. After retiring from his active duty military career, he served as the Chief Medical Officer to the Little Rock Military Entrance and Processing Station (MEPS) overseeing the physical assessment of many men and women entering military service. In 2005, he was named as post surgeon as well as the Arkansas VFW Surgeon, a position he held for 17 years. He enjoyed spending time collecting bugs and insects, collecting and cutting gemstones and shells and petting his beloved cat, KTKat.
He is survived by his 4 children, Dr Paul Mathews from Seattle Washington, Brent Mathews (Sandra) from Whitesboro, Texas, Dr. Tracy Mathews Allen and spouse, Chuck from Liberty, Texas, and Kristal Mathews Allen, and spouse Brian from Kyle Texas. He has 9 grandchildren, Meagan (Aaron), Shelby (Adam), Jennifer (Mac), Miranda, Victoria, Brody (Sabrina), Jaxon, Madison, and Jessica. He has 7 great-grandchildren. Services are coordinated with Griffin- Leggett Funeral Home in Sherwood Arkansas and under the direction of American Heritage Funeral Home in Houston. Services will be held Apr 16, 2024at 12:30 with family and friends visitation followed by burial at the Houston Veterans Cemetery at 2 PM. A memorial service will be held at a future date in Arkansas.