David R. Mathis
David R. Mathis (Pops), age 66, entered into Heaven June 18, 2013 after a courageous battle against cancer. He was born June 26, 1946 to Ernest and Blanche Mathis in Milton, Florida. He attended “The Church” under Pastors Scott and Melissa Evans. Pops spent the majority of his adulthood in Pensacola and Jay, Florida. He graduated from Escambia High and Pensacola Junior College. After a brief service in the Navy Reserves, he was employed at Chemstrand/Monsanto/Solutia and retired after 37 years, where he was given numerous awards. However, Pops real loves were his family, coaching baseball, and fishing. He volunteered and coached numerous baseball and allstar teams in West Pensacola, Brent, Flomaton, and Jay ballparks for numerous years. When he wasn’t coaching, you could find him fishing at any of the local piers with family and friends. Pops was an amazing, devoted, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and coach. His family was his life. He and his wife, Pam were not only devoted to their own boys, but opened their home to several others that needed a place until they could get on their feet. Pops also provided love and guidance to numerous children that needed a father figure. His heart was so big that he could love many as his own. David was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Blanche Mathis; brother, Joseph E. Mathis; and in-laws, Ralph and Jean Zinn. He is survived by his “rock” and wife of 37 years, Pamela S. Mathis. He also is survived by his sons Jimmie R. Colley II (Jennifer), David W. Mathis (Wendi), and Matthew W. Mathis (Misty);his 13 grandchildren Jimmie (Monk), Josh, Alex, Amber, Samantha, Hunter Alan, Kyrsten, Hunter Keith, Sara, Madison, Elisha, Mason, and Isaiah; his sister, Barbara Thomas (Robert); brother, Jackie Mathis (Liz); brother-in-law, Ralph M. Zinn (Angie); sister-in-laws, Katie Mathis, Barbara Donohoe (Michael), and Cynthia Sublett (Chuck); aunts, Jeanette Flagler (Howard), and Virginia Stryker; extended children Scott and Melissa Evans and children, Randy and Mary Nelson and daughters, Anne Parker and children and numerous other kids, nephews, and nieces. Pallbearers will be Jimmie R. Colley III (Monk), Joshua S. Shelton, Hunter A. Colley, Joseph Mathis, Robert Thomas, and Nathan Thomas. Honorary pallbearers will be T. Alexander Hatfield, John Hawthorne, Bradley Jackson, and Randy Nelson. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 21, 2013 from 6-9 PM at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Jay Funeral Home with Pastor Jimmie Ray Colley II officiating services. Burial will follow at Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
