Eldon "Gene" Eugene Mathis

Gene was born to E. E. "Pete" and Gladys Jones Mathis December 7, 1944 in Winters, Texas. He has now been reunited with his beloved wife, Gaye, who passed away March 30, 2026; his parents; paternal grandparents, Sam and Georgia Mathis; maternal grandparents, John and Effie Jones; granddaughter, Sarah Graham; and his great-nephew, Shane Keith Paschal.

He is survived by his brother, Johnny Mathis and wife, Joanie, of Winters, Texas; sister, Shelia Mathis Paschal and husband, Keith, of Winters, Texas.

Gene attended first grade in Ballinger, Texas, before continuing his education in Lawn, Texas (now Jim Ned ISD), from second through fifth grade. He completed grades six through twelve in Winters, Texas, graduating with the Class of 1963.

An accomplished athlete, Gene earned a football scholarship to Oklahoma State University, where he played one season for the Cowboys. He later attended Texas Tech University before transferring to McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech in 1968. He continued his education at Baylor University in Waco, receiving his Master's Degree in Speech and English in 1969.

Following graduate school, Gene was recruited by Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee, to teach Speech. As a professor, he coached the college's debate team, leading students to tournaments across the United States. Under his leadership, the team earned recognition as one of the Top 10 debate programs in the nation.

Gene's career reflected his versatility and work ethic. In addition to teaching, he worked in retail management, served as a freelance abstract title searcher, and remained actively involved in numerous community projects throughout Knoxville, Tennessee. He also enjoyed serving for 17 years as a security officer on the famed 18th hole during the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

His high school years were filled with accomplishments both on and off the football field. He helped lead the Winters Blizzards to their first state semifinal football playoff appearance and was honored as Second Team All-State during his senior season. He also held leadership positions in Future Farmers of America, was recognized in FFA Who's Who, belonged to the National Honor Society, and was a member of Alpha Chi Future Teachers of America.

Throughout his life, Gene called many places home, including Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, North Dakota, and Montana. After graduating from Baylor in 1969, he famously declared that he would never return to Texas—and he never did. He found great joy in Tennessee's rolling hills and lush green landscape, a place he proudly made his home for the remainder of his life.

Gene served in multiple roles within the Gideons International including Area Director, Knoxville East Camp President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Chaplain. He also served as Local Project Lead for the 2016 Tennessee State Convention in Knoxville.

Gene leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory.

He is survived by his daughter, Kim Toney and husband, Steve, of Vinton, Ohio; grandchildren, Amy Robie of Grove City, Ohio, Jessica Robie of Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Rachel Russell of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Robie and wife, Amber, Ethan Robie, Roy Ochler, Nathan Ochler, Kiley Graham, and Colton Graham; and great-great-grandson, Finnegan Robie.

He is also survived by his daughter, Diane Ash and husband, Patrick, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; grandchildren, Abram Ash, Abriann Ash, EJ Vincent of Seattle, Washington, and Jennifer Vincent and fiancé, Cory Berkhouse; and great-grandchildren, Isaiah Poole, Jeremiah Poole, and Sawyer Flinn.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Mandy Landis and fiancé, Kevin Wilsher, of Claremore, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Penni Powell and husband, Troy, Joshua Harris and wife, Nikke, and James Lee and fiancée, Skylar O'Keefe; and great-grandchildren, Felicity Harris, Henrietta Harris, Winston Harris, Alaric Harris, Olivia Powell, and Colesyn Powell.

He is further survived by his daughter, Lorie West and husband, Scot, of Gallipolis, Ohio; grandchildren Alexandria Morrow and husband, Bryan, and Breanna Flint and husband, Derek; and great-grandchildren Karsen Morrow, Kanaan Morrow, Rynlee Flint, and Leo Flint.

Gene is also survived by his nephew, Mark Mathis and wife, Jennifer, of Talpa, Texas; nieces, Michelle Paschal Wagner and husband, Nick, of Evansville, Minnesota, and Marci Paschal Peacock and husband, Matt, of Winters, Texas; great-nieces and great-nephews Kendall Mathis, Jack Mathis, Remington Paschal, Nathaneal Wagner, Maddex Wagner, Cayden Wagner, Maybri Wagner, Logan Peacock, and Tenneson Peacock; as well as many beloved cousins, extended family members, and friends.

He will be greatly missed by his step daughter, Angela Boles; step sons, Gary Beeler and his wife Donita, Barry Beeler and Victor Beeler and his wife Delana; step grandchildren, Weston Winn and wife Olivia, Bradley Beeler, Hannah Yearout and husband Brad, Ashlynn Beeler, Leanna Beeler and Joshua Beeler and Justin Beeler: step great grandchild, Boone Yearout.

Gene will be remembered as an educator, mentor, athlete, devoted family man, and a man who valued hard work, learning, and serving others. His wisdom, humor, and quiet determination touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue through the many students, friends, and generations of family he leaves behind.

The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice and South High Senior Living for the excellent care provided to Gene.

Receiving of friends and family will be held at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home, 2300 West Adair Drive, Knoxville, TN 37918, US, on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 1:00 pm with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm. Gene will be laid to rest next to his wife at 3:00 pm at Berry Lynnhurst Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideons Northwest Camp at P.O. Box 560, Powell, TN 37849