David Mattox

David (Dave) Scott Mattox passed away, age 71, at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Centre, Nashville, Tennessee. Dave was diagnosed with MDS four years ago, and was in the recovery stage of a stem cell transplant at the time of his death.

Dave was born on December 31, 1950, in Schenectady, NY, to William Addison III (Bill) and Hazel May (Nicky) Mattox. After graduating from Washington High School in Phoenix, AZ, he attended Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, and in 1971 entered the United States Marine Corps. In 1972, Dave married Patty Jo (Pat) Collins, and they raised two daughters, Allison and Kelli.

Dave was an engineer at heart (though he'd hate to admit it), his career was spent working for Empire Caterpillar (Mesa, AZ), Ore-Ida Foods (Ontario, OR), Nature Quality Food (San Martin, CA), and Sacramento County Water (Sacramento, CA), where he retired in 2006. After retirement, Dave and Pat moved to Strawberry Plains, TN, where he channeled his love of trains into his hobby-business Bryterails, and developed Madee K Kar Kits.

In his youth, Dave loved cars, especially classic minis, having owned and raced many over the years. His love for trains eventually took over, where he spent nearly 30 years years as an active member in the hobby, involved in many clubs across California, Georgia, and Tennessee. Most recently he was President and Treasurer of Chattanooga Society of Model Engineers. Eventually, Dave was able to bring both loves together, owning a few unique minis in the past few years, and as a member of Classic Mini's United.

Dave was preceded in death by his father Bill, mother Nicky, and brother Will. He is survived by his wife Pat and daughters Allison (Dale) Mattox-King of Cleveland, TN, Kelli (Jamie) Mattox-Graham of London, England, his two granddaughters Madellaine King of Huntsville, AL, and Dakota Graham of London, England, his siblings Jeff (Sarah) Mattox, Jill (Michael) Harlan, and John 'Jack' (Kelly) Mattox all of AZ, and several nieces and nephews.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com for the Mattox family.

Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin -Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414. Please visit our website to share your memories: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com