Bobby Mathis
Rev. Bobby Jack Mathis, 81 of Chattanooga peacefully died on Thursday, January 8, 2015.
Rev. Mathis was a hard worker, sometimes working two jobs to make sure his family’s needs were met. He worked at both Floor Covering Inc. and Standard Coosa Thatcher Inc. He ended his work career at Standard Coosa Thatcher after 33 years of service. While at Standard Coosa Thatcher Inc. he was a very active member of the Union, were he held the position of Vice President. Rev. Mathis’ true passion was sharing the gospel. Rev. Mathis pastored several churches in the Chattanooga area, Shiloh Baptist (Soddy Daisy), Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of Ooltewah. After retiring from pastoring his returned to his home church, Bethlehem Baptist and remained there until his passing.
Rev. Mathis was preceded in death by his parents, Ezra Sr. and Nellie Mathis, children; Barbara and Lloyd Mathis; brothers Walter, James, Ezra Jr. and Leon Mathis; sisters Joyce Mathis, and Margaret Mathis Otis.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 62 years Annie Ruth Mathis; sons Jeffery (Imogen) Mathis, Eldridge (Carol) Mathis, daughter; Nell (Andra) Willis; Grandchildren Cicily Mathis, Mark Mathis, Atlanta, Ga., Brandon Mathis, Nashville, TN., Andra (Valencia) Willis and Jerica Willis. Theodore , Jerome, and Michael (L’Nette) Jackson; eight great grandchildren; brother Elder Ernest Mathis, Pacoima, Ca. and Floyd (Diane) Mathis; sisters Evelyn Thornhill, Mary “Liz” Mathis, Mildred (Gatha) Logan, and Patricia (Preston) Green; sisters-in-law, Barbara Mathis, Paducah, KY and Ruby Mathis; daughter-n-law, Johnnie Mathis Spence; a host of nieces, nephews and friends; and devoted niece Shelia Fowler Leath.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday, Jan. 16, at Hawkinsville Baptist Church with Pastor Bobby Hampton, officiating and Eulogist Pastor Mike Lacy and Pastor Morris Johnson. Interment will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
The body will lie in state after noon on Thursday, Jan. 15, and the family will receive friends from 6–7 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.