Doyle Lewis Mathis, 80, of Tifton died Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2009, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. Rev. Joe Wiggins will officiate with burial to follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Ricky Revels, Justin Revels, Josh Mathis, Doug Ethridge, Gabriel Elkins and Gilbert Hill will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the remaining grandsons and members of Unity Tabernacle. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 12, 2009, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mr. Mathis was born on October 8, 1928 in Milan (Dodge County) and was the son of Claude Mathis and Viola Conly Mathis, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizebeth Williams Mathis, who died on December 11, 2004; a step-son, Wayne Loyod Williams; and one sister, Ernestine Ruby Smith. He was retired and of the Pentecostal faith. He had lived in Tifton for 38 years and was a member of Unity Tabernacle.
Mr. Mathis is survived by four sons and three daughters-in-law, Joe and Nancy Mathis, Ricky Mathis, Paul and Elaine Mathis and Randy and Rhonda Mathis; two daughters and one son-in-law, Annette Downs and Linda and Allen Whitley; one sister, Claudette Kelly; 15 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.