William "Big Bill" Earl Mathis

William “Big Bill” Earl Mathis was born in Jacksonville, Alabama to Walter Wilson Sr. and Willa “Willie” Mathis on September 15, 1935. He graduated from Bethune High School in Piedmont, Alabama. After graduating high school, he joined the Army where he was a Korean War era veteran. Bill, 88 of Indianapolis, passed away on June 12, 2024.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, he moved to Indianapolis where he met and married Maggie L. Rockingham on May 4, 1957 in Indianapolis, Indiana. From that union, five sons were born. He worked as a meat cutter for Hene Meat Co. for many years.

He was involved in the PTA, was the head usher at Providence A.M.E. Church where he also served as a steward, and was awarded the honor Layman of the Year. Bill, William Earl, Mr. Mathis, Pops, Granddude, Grampers, Granddad, whatever you called him, was a huge jokester, and liked to keep people on their toes, but his bark was bigger than his bite.

He enjoyed fishing, doing puzzles, and watching baseball. He wasn’t known as a chef, but people went crazy over his fat burgers. Some of his most common quotes included, “Long headed rascal,” “Boy, Boy, Boy, I’m telling you the truth every doggone time,” and “I’m gonna bust yo doggone snot bag.”

In 88 years, he lived a full life. He loved his family and leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 62 years, Maggie L. Mathis, sister, Nancy Mathis, and nephew, Ronnie Mathis.

Bill is survived by his sons, Jeffrey (Carolyn), Michael (Donna), Kenneth (Anita), Tony (Vernice), Tiger “Travis” Mathis, JU “Julius” Mathis; 17 other grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

A visitation for William will be held Monday, June 24, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.