Fred D. Mathis, 89, of Chattanooga, passed away on September 18, 2021.
Fred was a Captain in the U.S. Army Intelligence Division. He retired as the vice president of Sales at Southern Cellulose, Inc. Fred loved to play golf, spend time with family, and play the organ. He graduated from Birchwood High School and was governor of the 4H Club of Tennessee. At Birchwood, he excelled in basketball, averaging 30 points a game while registering a career high of 52 points in a single game. Fred graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from MTSU.
He loved to share the gospel and his love of God with others. He was known for his faithfulness to God and the church, from Ware Branch (whose building he and his brothers helped construct when he was young) to East Chattanooga, Lake Hills, and East Ridge Churches of Christ. Fred was a willing caretaker to many family members. His family knew him as a Godly man and a great dad and grandfather (papaw) who was the embodiment of love and radiated joy to everyone. He was a kind, compassionate and patient man that loved his family deeply. No words can capture how greatly he will be missed.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Frances “Fran” Davidson; his sons, David (Julie) Mathis and Dan (Karla) Mathis; his sister, Barbara Roberson; his grandchildren, Morgan (Taylor) Gilley, Kristen (Matt) Moore, and Grant and Chapman Mathis; his great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Cora, Ezra, and Maddox; his sister-in-law, Martha Mathis; brothers-in-law, Chuck and Don Davidson; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mamie Louise Mathis; his brothers, Bob, Walter E., Woodrow, Jim, and Joe; and sisters, Margaret, Evelyn, Elizabeth and Jennie.
An outdoor funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 1, at East Ridge Church of Christ, 951 McBrien Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412. The burial will take place at 4 pm at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Hixson.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to East Ridge Church of Christ Missions Fund at 951 McBrien Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37412.
You may visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences to the family.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.