Donnie Ray Mathis

Of Lakeland, passed away Monday, March 23, 2009 at South Georgia Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born August 24, 1948 in Lowndes County, Georgia to the late Curtis Mathis and Doris Lewis Mathis of Lakeland. He retired from the United States Air Force as a MSgt after 21 years of service. He served in the Vietnam War. He was presently employed at Grand Bay Bombing Range. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman who loved being in the outdoors. He also loved relaxing at his cabin in North Georgia. He was a member of the Southside Baptist Church.
Survivors include:
Wife of 38 years Teresa Hamm Mathis Lakeland, GA
Daughter & Son-In-Law Christie & Curt Strickland Lakeland, GA
Grandchildren: Breanna, Caylah & Cerrah
Special Brother-In-Law like a son & Sister-In-Law – Jody & Reada Hamm Lakeland, GA

2 Brothers & Sister-In-Laws Charles & Deborah Mathis Nashville, GA
Jerry & Suzanne Mathis Lakeland, GA
Half Sister Ruby Mixon Milledgeville, GA
Mother-In-Law Mildred Hamm Lakeland, GA
Brother-In-Law & Sister-In-Law Curt & Judy Gill Ray City, GA
2 Special Cousins Leo Roland & Connie
Harold Lewis & Sara
A Uncle and a number of Aunts, Nieces, Nephews, and 3 Great Nephews

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2009 in Southside Baptist Church with the Rev. Austin Deloach officiating. Burial will follow in Poplar Springs Cemetery where full military honors will be rendered. Mr. Mathis will be placed in the church one hour prior to service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, March 25, 2009 from 6-8 p.m.