George Mathis

George E. Mathis, age 87, of Buford, GA passed away Thursday, August 10, 2017. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Denver Mathis; parents, Bonnie and Jessie Mathis; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rev. Carson and Mozelle Jones. Mr. Mathis is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Runette Jones Mathis, Buford, GA; children, Eddie and Donna Mathis, Buford; Beth and Steve Thompson, Buford, Jones and Jill Mathis, Braselton, GA; grandchildren, Carson and Mandy Mathis, Roswell, GA, Kate and Chris Neil, Tega Cay, SC; Casey and Tiffany Thompson, Winder, GA, Cale Mathis and fiancée, Kallie Black, Buford, GA, Jessie Pearl Mathis, Braselton, GA; great grandchildren, Jason Bennett, Caitlyn Kelley, Emily Thompson, Haley Ayers, Landon Neil, Dillon Thompson, Ryan Neil, Kari Lyn Thompson; sister and brother-in-law, Liz and James Gober; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Rilla Bell, Chestnut Mountain, GA, Ruth and Frank Williams, Buford, Rachel and Gene Graham, Buford; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Randy and Joyce Jones, Jefferson, GA, Raymon and Alicia Jones, Richmond, VA; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mr. Mathis was born June 10, 1930 in Buford, GA. He was a 1948 graduate of Buford High School where he played football. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, assigned to the USS Spangler D E 696 from 1949-1951. Mr. Mathis was in the Naval Reserve from 1951 until 1958. He was a member of Buford American Legion Post 127, U.A.W. Local 10, a founding member of the Buford Volunteer Fire Department where he served from 1958 until 1981, and a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Buford. Mr. Mathis retired from General Motors Assembly Plant in Doraville after thirty-five years of service (1953-1988). After retirement, he traveled and developed property known today as Friendship Industrial Park. Mr. Mathis was an avid classic and custom car collector and restorer. He was co-owner of Mathis Collision in Buford, GA. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Rev. Wayne Johnson and Rev. Stephen Fountain officiating. The eulogy will be given by Carson Mathis. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Buford, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Buford First Baptist Church or to Eagle Ranch in memory of George Mathis. The Buford Volunteer Fire Department will serve as an honorary escort. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 11 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family extends special thanks to the Loving Care Senior Concierge for their care to George Mathis.