In Starkville, MS, on Saturday, October 31, 2020, Leon Houston Mathis, Jr., 84 was received home by His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A graveside "Celebration of Leon's Life" will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Lake City, Florida. Rev. Mark Mathis will officiate.  An online guestbook is located at www.gatewayforestlawn.com and www.welchfuneralhome.com.

Leon Houston Mathis, Jr. was preceded in death by his father Leon Houston Mathis, Sr., mother Eloise Wheeler Mathis, two sisters, Mary Ann Darby (Herbert), Barbara Combs (Harold), two sons Donald E. Whitehead, Jr. and Michael Ray Whitehead and a son in law Mitchell G. Martin.  He is survived by his wife Inez Greene Mathis, two sons – Leon "Matt" Houston Mathis, III (Kathy) of Southhaven, MS and Mark Lee Mathis of Starkville, MS two daughters Rhonda Mathis Shotts (Charles) of Louisville, MS and Nancy Whitehead Martin of Starkville, MS. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren Ryan Shotts (Katie), Caleb Mathis, Seth Mathis, Paul Mathis, Rebecca Tucker (David) and Laurel Scobee (Nick), and 5 great grandchildren Rylee Shotts, Elizabeth Tucker, Sophia Tucker, Sean Scobee and Isla Scobee.

Leon Houston Mathis, Jr. exemplified a life well lived.  Respected as a successful businessman, he was also an inventor, wonderful cook, gardener, teacher and intercessor.  He was very active in church, family life and community.

Leon Houston Mathis, Jr. was born December 20, 1935 to Leon and Eloise Mathis, in Lake City FL.  He graduated from Columbia High School, Lake City, FL in 1953.

Mr. Mathis was the proud Owner and CEO of Mathis Plow Co., Inc. dba FESCO in Starkville, MS from 1981 until 2012 when he retired.  He was a member of First Baptist Church, Starkville, MS and a member of the Johnston Sunday School class.  Mr. Mathis was also a member of Kiwanis, member of The Order of Masonic Lodge.  He also served as Trustee of the Oktibbeha County Hospital Board of Trustees for 17 years.

In lieu of flowers, Leon Mathis' children suggest donations in memory of Leon Houston Mathis, Jr. be made to International Mission Board C/O IMB.org/give-new (804) 353-0151 or Leon Mathis Memorial Scholarship at The MSU Foundation www.msufoundation.com (662) 325-7000.