Edmond "EJ" Mathis

Edmond Joyce “E.J.” Mathis, 97, of Arden, NC went to be with the Lord on October 4th, 2025.

Born November 12, 1927 in Georgia, E.J. was a son of the late Oris Mathis and Ethel Chastain Mathis. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Joan “Betty” Mathis, and his brother, Jerry Mathis and his sister, Inez Mathis Walden.

E.J. was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He began work as an elevator mechanic for Otis Elevator, and later founded the Asheville Elevator Company.

He was a dedicated Christian man and loved his family very much.

He is survived by his sister Katie Mathis Yon; sons, Ed Mathis (Sheryl), Charles Mathis and Kevin Mathis (April); daughter, Tammy Hawkins (Matney); grandchildren, Holly Mathis Burchfield (Jeff), Will Mathis, Kindel Mathis Jones (Stephen), Athena Davalos (Erik), Samuel Mathis (Dina), Rachel Mathis, Marcus Mathis, Wyatt Hawkins; great-grandchildren, Caden, Ivy, Jesse, Dakotah, Sammy, Gianna, Sanora, Ezra, and Corrie.

The family will receive friends at Groce Funeral Home on Long Shoals Road, Arden, NC at 11am Saturday October 11th. Service will be at noon with a reception with food afterward at Wild Wings Long Shoals Rd.