Cmsgt. Joseph Franklin Mathews, Usaf (Ret.)

Chief Master Sergeant Joseph Franklin Mathews, USAF Retired, of Bonaire, GA passed away peacefully on November 1, 2022, at the age of 90. He was born on July 2, 1932, in Knoxville, GA to the late Benjamin Franklin and Grace Hill Mathews.

Joe was a devoted husband to his late wife, Lucy May Jackson of 63 years, and father to their two children who followed him throughout his military career to numerous assignments in many parts of the United States as well as other countries such as Morocco and Germany. Other assignments took him to England, Spain, Guam, Korea, and Vietnam. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 30 years and was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. While serving at Danang AFB 1967-1968, he was awarded The Bronze Star and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. He was also awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal as well as several other medals, citations, and ribbon awards. He was asked to be a part of a select group who redesigned the B-52 weapons bay for Boeing Aircraft and the military. After his military service, he joined Civil Service at Robins AFB where he continued to serve his country.

Joe is survived by his son, Joe (Gail) Mathews of Chesapeake, VA; daughter, Cindy (Randy) Patterson of Maitland, MO; grandchildren, Jaye, Lawren and Alan; and great-grandchild, Bridget. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy Mae; his parents, Benjamin F. and Grace H. Mathews; brother, James; and grandson, Robbie.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home on Thursday, November 17, 2022. A graveside funeral service for Joe will be at Andersonville National Cemetery, Andersonville, GA at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in memory of Joe to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.