John Gatewood Mathews

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Service Schedule
Funeral
First United Methodist Church
502 Porter Street
Helena, AR  72342
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
1:00 p.m.
Cemetery
Memphis National Cemetery
3568 Townes Ave.
Memphis, TN  38122
Memorial Contributions
First United Methodist Church
502 Porter St.
Helena, AR  72342


Hendrix College
1600 Washington Ave.
Conway, AR  72032
John Gatewood MathewsI am a Veteran.

of Helena, AR

October 19, 1939 - March 24, 2016

Dr. John Gatewood Mathews, 76, of Helena died on Thursday, March 24, 2016. He was born October 19, 1939 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of John W. and Dorothy K. Mathews.

He was a 1957 graduate of Central High School, a 1961 graduate of Hendrix College and a 1965 graduate of University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Immediately after graduation from dental school, he was commissioned as a Captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corp in Anniston, Alabama, serving two years of active duty during the Vietnam War.

He was married to Sue Calloway Mathews of Holly Grove for 54 years.

Dr. Mathews was a lifetime member of American Dental Society.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army he began his general dentistry practice in 1967 in Helena, Arkansas until he retired in 2015.

John had a true zest for life. His laughter and boyish charm was infectious to all who knew him.

Dr. Mathews is survived by his wife, Sue Mathews of Helena; son, Dr. Steven Mathews (Niki) of Hot Springs; daughter, Jill Mathews Valentine (Matt); and grandchildren, John, Zachary and Cali Mathews.

A funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Helena at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 with pastor Mike Wilkie officiating.
A celebration of John's life will be held at the Helena Country Club following the service.

Memorials may be made to either First United Methodist Church of Helena or to Hendrix College.
Interment will be at the Memphis National Cemetery.

Service will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.

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28 Condolence(s)
Phillip and Shawndus Gregory
Helena, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 31, 2016

Steven and family....Please know we have been thinking of all of you. Phillip has many memories of your dad. I know you will hold all of your memories close in the days ahead. It truly helps to do so to get through each day. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved dad and husband.

Sincerely, Phillip and Shawndus

Steve Jones
Batesville, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 31, 2016

Steven (BOSS), Jill, and MS Sue, Sorry for your loss. He will be surely be
missed. The only person I know that would ask you some kind of question while he had both hands, an arm and part of a leg in you mouth and be able to understand your answer. Here's to a Great man.

Renee Scaife Wilson
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Jill and Steven,
I remember your father being the kindest man to everyone he met and the smile he had on his face was priceless. He's one of those people in a small town that everyone knew and left us all so many lots of good memories.
You and your family are in my prayers...

Mary Dyer
Benton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 30, 2016

I'm very sorry you lost your Father, I'll keep you in my prayers.

Rev. Wayne and Doris Clark
jonesboro, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Sue and family, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at Johns death. So sorry to hear about it. He was our great dentist in Helena while we were there and always kidded Doris about that preachers wife coming twice a year to get her gas "fix" for the year.
So glad our paths crossed to get to know him. God Bless you all

Nancy Howie
West Helena, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Dr. Mathews was a very kind man and great dentist. His smile just lit up the room. My sincere condolences to his family.

Melanie King
West Helena, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 30, 2016

We are so sorry and heartbroken to hear of Dr. Mathews passing. He meant so much to me. He and Mrs. Sue are wonderful people who always kept me on my toes. I loved working for Dr. Mathews and he will forever be my favorite boss. I have so many good memories with them and always will.
Melanie King

Patrick Kelley
West Helena ,Ar.,
Liked
Wednesday, March 30, 2016

He was a Great Doctor !!! Always a Pleasure to Visit. Gonna miss You Doc !!

Kathy Burchfield
Mount Ida, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Jill:
Charlie and I are thinking of you and your family during your loss. Prayers, Love and Sympathy.

Pryor Robertson
Little Rock,
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Mrs Sue, Steven, and Jill- prayers and peace to you during this time. I am sorry for your loss.

Gary, Cyndi, & Bo Gray
Malvern,
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Jill,
You and your family are in our
prayers. It is certainly hard to let go, but not as hard as it is to see the ones we love suffer.
Your dad is in a wonderful place now!
We all love you and miss you so much.
Gary, Cyndi, & Bo

Carol Spencer
,
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Prayers are with the entire family. He not only was friend and dentist he was a great neighbor to Moma and Daddy when he and Sue lived behind them when he first started his practice in Helena. Love you all

Candace Barrin Threadgill
Niceville,
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Sue, Steven, Jill and extended family...
I am so sorry! I have such fond memories of John's smile and his great laugh! The outpouring of condolences speaks to a life that touched the hearts of many.
I feel blessed to have known him... even if from a distance and years past.
Know you are all in my prayers.
Love, Candi

Charlotte Vergara
Robinsonville,
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

My prayers are with your family

Holly Allen Dean
Pearcy,
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Jill and Steven, so sorry for your loss. Your dad must have been a wonderful man to have kids like you two. Praying for peace for you during this trying time.

Kathy Sigman
Hot Springs,
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Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Jill, keeping you and your family in my prayers. But always remember, they can't take away the memories.

,
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Jill, sending sympathy and prayers,Janice Johnson

judy harris
Hot Springs National Park, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Jill, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad! He looks like he loved life and his family very much! I will be praying for you and your family.

Love ya,
Judy

Kristi &Thomas Clark
Hot Springs,
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. Jill our heart goes out to you during this sad time. God bless.

Christina Myers
Benton, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Dr. Mathew, Jill and your mom,
Y'all are in my prayers. May God comfort you with your lose. Jill, I didn't know your dad but I know you and be had to be an amazing man because he has an amazing daughter. Love you and take care!!

Debbie Rose Smith Hays Hill
Corning,
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Dana Sireno
Lakewood, CO
Liked
Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Jill...I was so sorry to hear about your dad's passing..may your heart heal well.

Kena Williams
Malvern,
Liked
Monday, March 28, 2016

So sorry for ur loss praying for ur loss ✝🙏🏾

Carolyn Ellison
Hot Springs,
Liked
Monday, March 28, 2016

Jill, Dr Mathews and family so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Alice Naples Wallace
Hot Springs,
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Monday, March 28, 2016

Jill, I am so sorry for your loss. He will never be replaced, but your loving memories of him will live within you the rest of your life. I can tell he was a super special man and perfect father to his beloved daughter. Prayers sent out for your family. Love. Alice

Dana Crabtree
West helena Arkansas,
Liked
Monday, March 28, 2016

Mrs Sue I am so very sorry for yalls loss. Yall are in my prayers. Dr Mathews was a sweet kind and compassionate man. He will be missed. Let me know if you need anything

Gordon, Gwen, & Quinn Siders
West Helena, AR
Liked
Monday, March 28, 2016

Mrs. Sue so sorry for your loss, he is entertaining in heaven now. I loved Dr. Matthews, and will be praying for you and your family.

Cheryl McDaniel Anderson
Ingram,
Liked
Monday, March 28, 2016

I loved Dr. Mathews! He was my Dentist for as long as I can remember while living in Helena. My Momma enjoyed Dr. Mathews being her Dentist too. She loved to joke with Dr. John! She taught Jill dancing, became friends with Sue and thoroughly enjoyed their entire family. Without a doubt, Dr. Mathews had a great zest for life that he readily shared with his patients and friends. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family...