Lawton Eugene "Gene" Mattox

Mr. Lawton Eugene “Gene” Mattox, 81 of Blackshear, passed away Thursday evening, September 19, 2019, at Baptist Village Nursing Home following a lengthy illness.

Born in Blackshear, GA on July 12, 1938, he had lived in Pierce County most of his life.  Gene was a 1956 graduate of Blackshear High School and was a US Army veteran.  He had worked for Container Corporation in Fernandina Beach, FL for five years before moving back to Pierce County and the family home place.  Gene went on to work for International Tractor as a mechanic before going to work for Clough-Pearson Funeral Home (later Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home).  It was while working at the funeral home that he decided to venture out into the vault and monument business by starting Gene Mattox Vault & Monument Company.  He would go on to run this with his “main helper”, Jim Hunter.  Ironically, Jim passed away less than 11 hours after Gene.  The two also kept up the Blackshear City Cemetery for years along with Mr. Mattox’s wife, Deasy.

Many will remember the days when Gene sang in different quartets and singing groups like The Journeymen and The Soul Winners.  He had traveled all over the country over the years singing and recording music.  On September 15, 2008, The Journeymen were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.  On September 22, 2008 the group received a Resolution from Rep. Mark Williams, District 178 of the Georgia House of Representatives acknowledging their work and dedication to sharing gospel music.  Gene’s love of music was carried on through his dedication to his church and church choir where he had served as the choir director for 40 years.  He had also served as a deacon and was in the men’s Sunday school class. 

In his spare time you could find him in his woodshop working on a project for someone or just building what he wanted.  Gene always had a smile on his face, even while his health was beginning to fail.  His love of family, friends, gospel music, and a good joke or laugh will never be forgotten and neither will he.

Gene was the only son of Lawton Mayfield & WanL Johnson Mattox.  He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Lawanna Sweat and Oveida Bolden; and two brothers-in-law, Simon Sweat and John Stovall.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Deasy Dixon Mattox of Blackshear; his daughter, Jeanie Johnson of Crestview, FL, his son, Andy Mattox of Blackshear; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Martha & Larry Fowler of Loganville and Mary Ann Stovall of Waycross; 5 grandchildren, Noah & Ali Jordan, Elijah Mattox, Saralyn Mattox, Jaden Johnson, and Levi Mattox; 2 great grandchildren, Mason Jordan and Maggie Jordan; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Gene will be held Sunday afternoon, September 22, 2019, at 2 o’clock from the Beulah Baptist Church.

Interment will be in the Beulah Cemetery.

Visitation for Mr. Mattox will be held Saturday evening from 6 until 8 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Beulah Baptist Church, 3343 Beulah Church Road, Alma, GA  31510.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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