Herman “Jack” Jackson Mattox, 89, Ringgold
Herman “Jack” Jackson Mattox, of Ringgold, Ga., passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2017. He was 89.
A native of Lancaster, S. C., he has lived in the Ringgold area for the past 56 years.
He was a Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and was a member of the Ringgold United Methodist Church.
Jack, who is a 1951 graduate of Campbell University, entered professional life as a teacher and coach, but was soon asked to create a Recreation Department for Catoosa County, Ga. and became the first director in 1974. During his 40+ years career as recreation director, Jack combined his love of athletics with his desire to act as an advocate for youth. He organized Catoosa county’s first Special Olympics events and started a summer camp for disadvantaged children, providing scholarships and transportation for those in need. He was presented the prestigious Jefferson Award by the American Institute for Public Service.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Randolph and Nannie Irene Wilson Mattox; sister, Elizabeth VanKeuren and brother, Paul Mattox.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 57 years, Nina Silvers Mattox of Ringgold, Ga.; daughter, Alicia (Paul Jr.) Burke of Chattanooga, Tenn.; two sisters, Hilda Porter and Nancy Horton of Lancaster, S.C.; two grandchildren, Paul Burke III and Astra Burke; several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: The family will receive friends Friday from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday until funeral time at the funeral home.
Funeral services: will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 10, in the funeral home chapel.
Burial: will follow at Anderson Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ringgold United Methodist Church Building fund or to Christ Care and Share.
Online guestbook available at wilsonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements: Wilson Funeral home Wallis-Stewart Chapel Ringgold.