Jackie “Snuffy” Ray Mathews, 81, of Henderson, Kentucky passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 26, 2025, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.
Jackie was born on November 23, 1943, in Denver, Colorado to Winifred Grace and Earl Mathews. He enjoyed his best days being a cowboy and training horses. He loved telling old stories, spending time at Ellis Park with his best friend Buddy and took much pride in his job at service tool, die and plastics the past 5 years.
Snuffy is preceded in death by parents Winifred Grace and Earl Mathews, brother Jearald Mathews and stepson Greg Leslie.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Mathews; son, Jack Ray Mathews; daughter, Carla Worthington; stepchildren Stephanie Lucas, Teresa Woosley and Jerry Mitchell, Jr.; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren, and sisters Janet Morris and Judy Hopper.
The family has chosen to honor Snuffy’s wishes by having a cremation instead of a funeral service and burial. Family and friends are invited to gather Friday, May 2nd from 3-5pm at Bellfield Baptist Church at 9980 Hwy 136 East, Henderson, KY 42420, as part of a memorial service.
Jan Morris says
To all of Snuffy’s Kentucky family and friends my heart breaks for you. How I wish I could be there in person. Just know I’m there is spirit. I loved you dearly Jack so glad I was able to talk to you on Friday. RIP
Robin Workins Bailey says
Martha and Family, sending my condolences and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Jerry Mathews says
Uncle Jack, you were one of a kind. Gonna miss your stories of being a kid with Dad and always terrorizing your sisters. 🫣😎 Your stories of working with horses and people at the race tracks. Thanks for the laughter over the years. Rest easy Cowboy. Jerry and Becky Mathews
Cindy and Kelvin Poe says
You will be missed Uncle Jack. Lots of great memories with you and the tall tales you had an endless supply of. Tell dad hi when you see him. ❤️
Mistie Brown Smith says
I’m so sorry for everyone’s loss! I worked with Snuffy at Ellis. I even got to hang out and drink a couple of beers with him when we would go back and visit everyone. I could tell by the way that he protected people at the track that he was a good family man. Sending prayers to you all🙏🙏 🕊️🕊️
Vicki Hodges says
We always knew when you were coming by your cowboy boot shuffle steps. Your friends at Ellis Park will miss you and your lucky number hot tip bets. RIP, Snuffy, see you on the backside.
Your Ellis Park Friends
Kimberly R Wilson says
Martha so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I’ll never forget Snuffy and all his stories and the memories we shared working together at the race track. RIP cowboy