Mr. James "Shank" Willie Mathis

With his daughters holding his hand, Deacon James Willie Mathis (Shank), 80 entered into eternal rest on March 28,2021 at University Hospital Summerville in Augusta Georgia. 

He was born to Emmitt Mathis and Bertha Dean Wicker (both preceded him in death) on August 5, 1944. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Angela Ramsey.

James served the Union Spring Baptist Church faithfully for more than thirty years as the Chairman of the Deacon Board and Treasurer.

He spent his life serving others in the community and in the church.  Deacon Mathis did his best to fight injustice in his early years by organizing walk-outs, registering people to vote and encouraging others to become members of the NAACP.  And in his later years; STANDING AS A MIGHTY OAK! 

Deacon Mathis was a simple country man. Back in the day, on pleasant summer days, you could find him on the river banks fishing until the sun went down. Then, as fall approached, he would hunt game till his heart’s content.

He loved and nurtured his family and friends with an abiding faith. He showed up, he returned phone calls, he checked-in, he inspired, and offered advice and comfort.  He was affectionately known as Hubby, Dad, Granddaddy, Jim, Big Jim, Uncle Willie, Big Dad, Daddy Jimmy, and the list goes on.

Deacon Mathis is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Evelyn Mathis, two daughters, Mammie Rudolph (Andrew) of Montgomery, Alabama, Marian Mathis of Warrenton, Georgia, and Goddaughter Sandra Boutte of Thomson, Georgia. Three grandchildren, Gregory Cosby (Lee) of Augusta, Georgia, Deshara West (Terrell) of Atlanta, Georgia and De’Andre West (Brittany) of Atlanta, Georgia, Five great grandchildren, one aunt Louise Myrick  Loving Cousin, Tommy Cowins of Camak, Georgia.  Brothers, LC Drake (Minnie) of Decatur, Georgia, Edward Fuller (Lucy) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Alonzia Drake (Helen) of Norwood, Georgia.  A host nieces and nephews, family and friends. 

Deacon Mathis would like for you to know that his work here is done. He received a call, one that he could not refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This tremendous assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family members and friends he has not seen in a long time. Job security is exactly 110 percent. His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be basking in the in the glory of the Lord’s presence, never again to feel pain, disappointment, or sorrow. 

www.dawsonsmortuary.com

Services entrusted to Dawson’s Mortuary ~98 Hopgood St. Warrenton, GA

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