Ronald Thomas Mathis of Denison, Texas passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at his home with his beloved wife, Shirley Irene Mathis by his side. He was born on November 1, 1944 to S.L. and Earlene Whitman, in Hardeman County, Boliver, Tennessee.

Ronald served in the United States Army for seven years, touring in Germany as a skilled sharpshooter. Ronald married Shirley Bellows Howard on June 6, 1989. They were married almost 30 years. He worked as a maintenance mechanic for Alcoa for several years. After retiring he loved creating Indian crafts, playing guitar and singing. He was known for lending a helping hand to anyone he could.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Mathis of Denison, Texas; brother-in-law Hubert Bellows; sister-in-law Barbara Ooten; great-granddaughter Haylie Renee Neal who he raised; three step children that loved him as a father; Terry Denise Wright; Helen Shirlene Paulsen; Johnny Alvin Neal; 4 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and two nieces Jennifer Lahti and Brittany Carter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rickey Mathis and stepson, David Wayne Neal.

He was loved by all that knew him and will be deeply missed.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Carson Cemetery in Ector, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mullican-Little Funeral Home in Bells, Texas.