David Mathis

David Mathis passed away unexpectedly at home on December 31, 2021, at the age of 72. He was born in Columbus, Ohio to Mary Virginia and Thomas Lee Mathis on April 16, 1949, and was the third child of six children. In his younger years, he was known for his playful and "mischievous" behavior. David attended Columbus City Schools and was a proud graduate of Linden McKinley High School, Class of 1967. After graduation, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. During his military service, David performed the duties of Guard in Vietnam and received a Sharpshooter Medal as a result of his excellent marksmanship skills. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, David returned to Columbus, Ohio and worked with his father at the General Motors Fisher Body Plant. He transferred to the General Motors plant in Kansas City, Missouri and, after many years of service, retired and returned to Columbus, Ohio. David was affectionately known as "Doctor D" to many of his friends. As an avid sports fan, he hosted many parties at his home whenever there was a "big game" or "big boxing match" to view; he traveled in-state and out-of-state with his General Motors bowling team to compete in tournaments; and he enjoyed attending sport events to watch family members play. He enjoyed fishing, especially going up to Fremont, Ohio and Lake Erie during the Walleye and White Bass season. David became a member of Calvary Tremont Missionary Baptist Church. He was an Usher, but cheerfully did whatever was needed to help the congregation and the community. His love of suits and hats really had a home at church. David was quite a dresser and took pride in his appearance. In his later years, David devoted his time helping the residents at Corban Commons Apartments. Whether he was doing chores, fixing things, or running errands for the residents, his presence was well known to all that lived there. While running an errand for a resident one day, he met Lorraine Lewis. That "chance" meeting blossomed into a friendship that led to marriage. Anyone that met David became an immediate friend. His friendship, loyalty, words of wisdom and encouragement has sustained so many throughout his lifetime. We will now forever cherish the memory, and in the words of David "and I'm out." David was preceded in death by wife, Winona Mathis; son, David "Book" Mathis, Jr.; parents, Mary Virginia and Thomas Lee Mathis; brother, Vernon Lee Mathis; sister, Yvonne Mathis; niece, Natoya Mathis; and, nephew, Dana Mathis. David is survived by: wife, Lorraine Mathis; daughters, Tracey (Kenneth) Feagin, Davessa Mathis, and Lynnette Mathis; son, Rico (Yenny) Merritt; bonus children, Renita Brown, Samuel "Tony"(Thea) Cherry, Sr. and Tyrone Cherry; sisters, Irene Mathis, Teresa (Harvey) Bussey and Patricia (John) Crowder; grandchildren, Arnez, Kenedi, Ramal, Tyrell, Nazah, Marcus and Annabella; Bonus Grandchildren, Candance (Russell), Tiffany, Tony, Jr., Tyrone, Jr., Tyreese, Montel, Kiara, Marguan, Eliyah and Anyah; great grandchildren, Ava, Kahari, Sakari, Arliyah, Lomarion, Janiece and Truth; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Special friends left to mourn his loss are Marty Winfield, Steve Collins, Rodney Kent, Eugene Newton and "Gooch."