Joe Ralph Mathis

Joe Ralph Mathis, son of the late Creed Mathis, Sr. and Marion Morgan Mathis, was born in Lafayette County, Mississippi on October 28, 1956. Joe received his formal education in the New Albany school district and graduated from Central High School in the Oxford School District. 

Joe was employed with Masterbuilt and with the city of New Albany before enlisting in the United States Army where he served faithfully for nine years. He served in Fort Colorado 4th Division, 11th Division Water Town, NY, and in the Republic of South Korea 8th Army stay. Joe was also stationed at Fifth Simmons Hospital in Denver, CO and at the Presidio of Monterey Medical Center in Monterey, CA. Joe was a loving, giving, patriotic, clean cut guy who loved music and he loved his family.

Joe resided in Colorado Spring, CO for four years before returning to New Albany in 1982. He joined Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, in New Albany, MS, where he served as a deacon, church treasurer, and Sunday School Superintendent under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Rogers and other former pastors, such as; Pastor Robert Lee Williams and Pastor Joseph Newton. He worked faithfully and served with deacons such as; Deacon Will Rogers, Deacon Wesley Ford, Deacon Joseph Newton, Sr., Deacon Junior Cullins and Deacon Joseph Newton, Jr.

On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while stationed in Baptist Memorial Hospital/NM, in Oxford, MS, Joe Ralph Mathis received his earthly discharged and was released from the toils of this life. He is now enrolled in the Army of the Lord. He is survived by his children, his sons: Ralph Foster of Grand Rapids, MI and Mark Foster of Ingomar, MS; his daughters: Morgan Mathis-Rogers (Paul), Jessica Winston, and Grace Mathis all of New Albany, MS, Donn Mathis of Colorado Springs. CO, and Bridget Senter (Alibaba) of Tupelo, MS; he also leaves one sister: Hattie Thornton (Jr.) of Nettleton, MS, 14 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents: Creed and Mary Morgan Mathis; a daughter: Louise Mathis; a sister: Virginia Jew and a brother: Creed Mathis, Jr.

Please keep the Mathis family in your prayers.