John Gatewood Mathews

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 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. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.