RICHARD WAYNE MATHIS

RICHARD’S OBITUARY Richard Wayne Mathis was born July 20, 1946, to parents John Henry and Bessie Mae Tuten Mathis in Madison County, Florida. He was child #7 of 10 children born into this Midway Community farming family. As a young man, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, frog gigging, and all the things the neighborhood kids did. He helped his daddy feed the hogs and cows, plow the mule, and later a Farm-All tractor. He attended Lee School with his brothers and sisters. After high school, he began his work career with J.B. Davis Incorporated. His many occupations included gas station attendant, automotive mechanic, carpentry work, construction work, retail store clerk, and owner of Mathis Grocery in Sirmans, Florida. Some of his many employers include Gold Kist Poultry, Occidental Chemical, North Fl. Jr, College; I.T. Carter work crew on First Baptist Church addition; Madison County Central School and Madison County High School; and Roadway Construction Truck Terminal. Richard grew up attending Midway Church of God, While living in Sirmans, he attended Sirmans Baptist Church and it was there he gave his life to Jesus and was baptized. After moving from Sirmans, he attended Pine Grove Baptist Church. He retired from public work due to a back injury. He still liked to tinker at his house or help out a neighbor. His Mama continued to do her own yardwork until her death and Richard faithfully helped her with mowing and raking. He also enjoyed helping Carl Driver make syrup. Richard was just 4 years old when his twin brother and sister, Ronnie and Bonnie were born. He was so excited with “these babies” and told his Mama when he saved up $100 he was going to buy another set of them! Bonnie recalls how she used to push his buttons by giving him a “short banana”. She liked to see him pitch a fit over that. Marie recalls, “Richard never had much patience” and when Mama and Daddy would go to town for groceries on Saturday, Richard had several “hissy fits” before they got home. Another episode by Richard came when his Mama sent him up to the field with a bucket of water for the older kids and grandma. It was hot, he had short legs and by the time he walked to the field the bucket was almost empty. Mama said go back again. As he walked by the mule lot, he was hot and aggravated by the family mule, named Kate, wallowing in a puddle of water to cool off. It made Richard mad because she was playing and he had to work. He picked up a brick, threw it at the mule, and she fell down and never got up again! The family mule was dead! Richard never told his daddy about this but he confided in Buddy how he killed the mule. Buddy said “no you didn’t, ‘cause you couldn’t hit the back side of the barn! That mule was old and just died from old age”. Richard was so relieved! But he still didn’t tell his daddy. Bonnie and John took Richard a home grown pumpkin that Joe grew in his garden. Richard politely refused it and said how ‘bout bringing it back in a pie! Some would call Richard a character! He lost his battle with cancer on November 2, 2022. He had suffered for several years and made Bonnie promise not to put him in a hospital or nursing home when it came his time. He passed away peacefully at his home in Lee. Although Joe and Bonnie tried to get him to move in with them, he said, “I don’t like your house rules and I want to die at home like our daddy”. Richard was rough on the outside but soft on the inside. He will be missed. Richard is survived by his son, Richard Wayne Gaston, “Richie”, and 3 grandsons, Reed, Mason and Cy Gaston. He has 2 sisters, Marie Mathis O’Barr of S. Pasadena (Pinellas County) and Bonnie and Joe Webb of Lee, Florida, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Bessie Mae Mathis; brothers J.C. Mathis, John Henry (Buddy) Mathis Jr., and Ronnie Mathis. sisters, Irene Mathis Foxx, Lois Mathis Webb and Ann Mathis Wilkins. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 12:00 Noon with visitation from 11:30 -1200 at Midway Baptist Church, 338 SE Midway Baptist Church, Lee, Florida 32059. Beggs funeral home is handling the arrangements 850-973-2258. You may send your condolences to the family by visiting our website at www.beggsfuneral.com

RICHARD WAYNE MATHIS

July 20, 1946 - November 2, 2022