William Ernest Mattison

his Lord May 9, 2020. Billepop’s zest for life brought joy and light to all who knew him.

He was a vivacious spirit and his smile and laugh brightened all around him.

Bill was born in Birmingham, Alabama June 11, 1931 to George A Mattison, Jr and

Ernestine Carriger Mattison. After foundational education in Mountain Brook and

Sewanee Military Academy, he matriculated at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now

Auburn University) where he was involved in ROTC, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity

and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He married Mary

Elyse Johnson of Geneva, Alabama in 1952.

He began his professional career with Woodstock Slag Corporation in Birmingham and

moved to Houston, Texas in 1954 to establish the Houston Slag Association. He

assumed the Presidency of the National Slag Association in 1984 and settled in

Alexandria, Virginia.

Among his many philanthropic endeavors, he was an active parishioner of St. John the

Divine, in Houston, Texas and Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He was a

dedicated member and eventual Potentate of Arabia Shrine Temple and served as

Chair of the Shriners Crippled Children’s Hospitals. He was also a member of Scottish

Rite and the Royal Order of Jesters, Kiwanis Club of Houston, and many other

charitable organizations.

He travelled avidly, visiting countries across the globe with family and friends and

founded the George Washington Yacht Club. A generous neighbor to all at his

condominium, Marina Towers, he was elected President of the condominium

association where he brought many social committees to fruition, especially the

Outdoor Gourmet Guild. His love of life created an indelible sense of community.

He was preceded in death by his parents and much adored Aunt, Eloise Carriger, his

brother, George A Mattison, III and sister, Mary Mattison Bledsoe; devoted wife, Mary

Elyse, son, William Ernest Mattison, Jr; son-in-law, Kenneth Farah; and beloved silky

terrier, Yot. He is survived by daughter-in-law Mrs. William Ernest Mattison, Jr., “Mary”

and son, William Ernest Mattison, III “Trey,” Houston, Texas; daughter Mary Elyse

Mattison Farah, “Lysa,” Alexandria, VA and children Mary Elyse Farah, Dallas, TX and

William Mattison Farah, New Orleans, LA; and daughter Martha Lynn Mattison Till,

husband Tim Till, Houston, TX, and children Ashely Till Wallace, Ireland and Garrett

Till, Houston, TX.

Many thanks for the caregivers who provided love and comfort during his last year, in

particular Mariatou Toure-Cole, Mohammed Yateh, Rosetta Mara, Beatrice Lartey and

Almaz Desta.

A memorial service and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of

flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Alzheimer’s

Association, Historic Christ Church, Alexandria, VA or the church of your choice.