Gary L. Mattox

On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Gary Lee Mattox Sr., 77, of Staunton, left this realm for a "Change in Latitude and a Change in Attitude" to a more heavenly place. He was known and loved by many as Dad, Opa, "Natch,” or Gary Lee.

Born on March 26, 1949, in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Fitzhugh Lee and Clora Mae Mattox of Madison Heights.

Gary is survived by his wife, partner, and caregiver, Sandee Bryant Mattox; his brother, Hugh Mattox of Lynchburg; his children, Lee Mattox, Wendy Miller (Jason) of Lynchburg, and Michael Mattox of Richmond; his nephew, Ryan William Mattox of Los Angeles; his stepson, John White of Waynesboro; his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Duff (Patrick) of Staunton; and his brother-in-law, Clay Bryant of Carrollton. He was the very proud Opa to Aiden White, Jaxon, Jayden, Jorden, Jewel, Kayla Duff, and Dustin Johnson. He also leaves behind his niece, Kelly Bryant; his nephew, Cameron Ching; and his great-grandchildren, Addilyn and Emory Johnson of Staunton. In addition, he is survived by his former spouse, Ann Booker, and many cousins from the Mattox, Irvin, Pettit, and Riggs families. He was also a brother, father, or friend to nearly everyone he met.

Gary retired from the steel industry after working for Montague-Betts Company, Incorporated, in Lynchburg and L.R. Willson and Sons in Gambrills, Maryland.

Gary was a man of many interests. Throughout his life, he owned numerous classic cars, embraced the wisdom and lifestyle of a true Parrot Head, scuba-dived alongside sharks and barracuda, participated in underwater explosive diving, and cruised countless Gulf Coast highways on his Harley. As a living historian, Natch fought in many battlefield reenactments as a "Millet" with the 27th Virginia Infantry. He could entertain anyone willing to listen with stories of his adventures over his 77 years. He generously shared his wealth of knowledge, his wonderfully dry sense of humor, and his appreciation for just about anything spicy. Despite his rugged exterior, Gary had a soft heart for his many four-legged friends. He was also famous for saying, "If the phone doesn't ring, it's me."

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the National Center for Healthy Veterans (mail checks to: Stone Ridge Foundation, (DBA) National Center for Healthy Veterans, P.O. Box 74, Altavista, VA 24517) in Altavista.