Tommy Ray Mathis, 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 2, at Autumn Care of Waynesville. Tommy was born in Buncombe County on January 12, 1949, to the late Alvin and Edna Phillips Mathis. First and foremost, Tommy loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, working on cars with his brother, and watching NASCAR. Tommy donated the lifetime maximum of blood throughout his life. He retired from Wellco after 39 years of faithful service.
In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy DeLozier.
Tommy is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Paula Mitchell Mathis; daughters, Kimberly Parker (Brett) and Kristen Smith (Clay); brother, Eddie Mathis (Ernestine); sister Patricia Barnes (Clifton); grandchildren, Camden Scott, Spencer Parker, Hayley, Isaac, Sawyer, and Benjamin Smith; and his beloved pets, Khloe and Dragon.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, July 8, in the chapel of Garrett Funerals and Cremations with the Reverend Phillip Wyatt officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Sunday, July 7, at Garrett Funerals and Cremations and at other times at the home of Brett and Kimberly Parker.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas Attn: Director of Development, 706 Grove Road, Greenville, SC 29605 or Lewy Body Dementia Association at 912 Killian Hill Rd SW, Lilburn, GA 30047.
