Julius Thurston Mathews

Julius Thurston Mathews, 90, of Fordyce, died Wednesday, September 22, 2004 in his home. Born November 15, 1913 in Redfield, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Ben and Ella Mathews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Merle Mulliken Mathews; a son Carl Lee Mathews; a brother, Jess Mathews; and a sister, Marie Jones Berding.

Mr. Mathews was a member of First Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, as well as teacher of his men's Sunday School class. He was a prominent merchant and businessman in the Fordyce community, and a charter member of both the Fordyce Chamber of Commerce (president, 1964) and the Retail Merchants Association. In addition to his local businesses, he was a brakeman for the Cotton Belt Railroad, retiring after 37 years. An avid horseman, Mr. Mathews also co-founded the Fordyce Riding Club.

Survivors include one daughter, Connie Mathews Gill of Fordyce; one son, Rodney Mathews of Sheridan; a brother, James Howard Mathews of Sardis, MS; and a sister, Dorothy Jean Ellis of Colliersville, TN. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 23 at Benton Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be held in Benton Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, September 24 at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Ken Shaddox officiating. Burial at Stoney Point Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Fordyce, 501 N. Main Street, Fordyce, AR 71742.

Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce.