Mr. Ralph Vernon Mathis, 82, of Adel, Georgia passed away Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the Berrien Nursing Center in Nashville, Georgia.

Mr. Mathis was born March 20, 1941 in Cook County to the late Elva Vernon "Bill" Mathis and Mary Alice Graddy Mathis.  He graduated from Cook High School in 1959 and joined the United States Army in 1960.  He served two years in France while in the military.  Mr. Mathis met Ann Davis during the summer of 1963 and married the love of his life June 26, 1964.

He served his community of Cook County for over 40 years: first as the Civil Defense Director, then as an EMT, and finally completed his career with the Cook County Administration offices.  He was an ordained Deacon and member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church where he taught Adult Sunday School classes for several years.  He enjoyed watching western movies and most of all loved spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids. Mr. Mathis also loved listening to gospel music.

The family wishes a "Special Thank You" to all the staff at the Berrien Nursing Center.

Mr. Mathis is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ann Davis Mathis and his daughter, Melissa "Lisa" Ann Mainor, both of Adel; two grandchildren: Davis and Hayden Mainor of Lenox, Georgia and Kalianne and Tony Porter of Hahira, Georgia; six great-grandchildren: Batie, Blakely and Brantley Mainor all of Lenox, Lilla, Lettie and Skyler Porter, all of Hahira; three sisters and two brothers-in-law: Gay Mathis Oglesby, Faye Mathis Calvin (Ray), all of Hahira, and Ann Mathis Capitolo (Ernie) of Valdosta, Georgia; sister-in-law, Louise Mathis of Ocala, Florida; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mike and Kay Corbett of Adel; also survived by several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews; and his little side kick and furry friend, Litzy. Mr. Mathis was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Jerry Mathis and Rev. Charles Mathis; a brother-in-law, Jerome Oglesby; and a son-in-law, Billy Mainor.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 28, 2023 at the Chapel of Boone Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Parker and Dr. Danny Ray officiating.  Following the service there will be a private entombment with the immediate family at the Woodlawn Cemetery Annex Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the service at Boone Funeral Home, Inc., 1804 S. Hutchinson Ave.; Adel, Georgia.  Pallbearers will include Davis Mainor, Tony Porter, Jamie Oglesby, Raymond Calvin, Bill Mathis, Mike Corbett, Justin Gray and Steve Dickerson.  Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Kendrick, Jimmy Dickerson, Jack Joiner, Earl Joiner, Ray Greeson, Larry Bennett, Bruce Vining, Scott Dillard, and Riley Rutherford.  "Go Rest High on That Mountain" will be played at the service, the congregation will sing "Amazing Grace" and Charlotte Dickerson will play piano.

In lieu of flowers, it has been requested that memorials in honor of Mr. Mathis be made to Brushy Creek Baptist Church, 430 Brushy Creek Road, Sparks, Georgia 31647.  Condolences maybe expressed online at www.boonefunerals.com .  Boone Funeral Home, Inc. is serving the Mathis family.