William Leslie Mathis

age 79, of Vestavia Hills, died Wednesday, July 10.

Les grew up in Summerville, Georgia, attended Georgia Tech, and received his degree from Jacksonville State University. He worked for Phillips Petroleum Company before founding Vulcan Oil Company in Birmingham in 1969 and serving as its president for over 25 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jessie Allison Mathis and Otis Andrew Mathis. He was survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Joan Simmons Mathis; his children Bill Mathis, Leigh Ann Yeilding (Foster), and Julie Freeland; his grandchildren Emily Mathis Rein (Stuart), Frances Mathis Cowart (Jay), Jane Anne Mathis, Gaines Yeilding, Wilson Yeilding, Candler Yeilding, Joan Leslie McGill, Jackson Freeland, and William Leslie Mathis Freeland; and his great-grandson James William Rein.

He was devoted to his family and will be greatly missed by them.

A visitation will be held at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church on Friday, July 12, at 10am, followed by services at 11am. In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to the Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Youth Program.