Mr. Don R. Mathis, affectionately known as "Donnie," was born on January 11, 1952 in Newberry, SC to the late Floyd Edwards Sr. and the late Mary Elizabeth Mathis Sims. He entered eternal rest on February 15, 2023 at his home.
He graduated from Gallman High School in 1970. Don was very instrumental in ending racial discrimination in Newberry, while in high school. He graduated from South Carolina State University. He also served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Don retired from WM Jennings Bryan Dorn Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center as a Procurement Officer for the region.
Don was predeceased by two sisters, Doreatha E. Smith and Barbara Jean McCall; a grandmother, Minnie Speaks.
Left to cherish his memory is a daughter, Octavia Williams Jones (Frank) of Newberry, SC; a son, Jamaal Mathis of Acworth, GA; three grandchildren, Shontriska Gray of Newberry, SC, Deali Maitland of Irmo, SC and Ariel Mathis of Acworth, GA; five great grandchildren Lanadia and Landyn Gray, Kamillah, Kaliah and Deali Maitland III; a brother, Floyd Edwards Jr.; a sister, Bertha Mae White; lifelong friend, Walter Sheppard; a devoted ex-wife, Deborah Sligh Mathis and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday February 23, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the parlor of Wilson Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be at 1:00 pm Friday February 24, 2023 at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Newberry, SC.
Interment will follow the service at Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery in Newberry, SC.
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