Phillip William Mathis
July 19, 1963 ~ January 22, 2006
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Phillip William Mathis, 42, died Sunday, January 22, 2006 after suffering a massive heart attack.
He was a lifelong resident of Skyland and was the son of Freida Gasperson Bailey of Skyland and of the late Henry Mathis. Phillip was a longtime employee of Matthews Ford, where he has many friends. He was a very loving husband and father and was always ready to help anyone in need.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Sandra Gilliam Mathis; one daughter, Julie Mathis; one son, Travis Mathis, both of the home; one sister, Shirley Carter and her husband Junior; one brother Gerald Mathis and his wife Janet, all of Skyland; one step-sister, Shirley Smith and her husband Marvin of Arden; eleven nephews; two nieces; six great-nephews; three great-nieces and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be truly missed by all.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with the Reverend Cecil Robinson officiating. Interment will follow at New Salem Cemetery in Skyland. Terry Holland, Steve Higgins, Josh Mullins, Chad Barrett, Van Smith and Curtis Bridgers will serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home.
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The staff at Mission Hospitals Fleet Management would like to express our sympathy at this time of loss. We work next door to Matthews Ford and have had the pleasure of working with Phillip over the years. He was a special guy and will be missed by all. I pray that the Lord will give you strength to get through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Sandra, Julie and Travis, I am so saddened to hear about Phillip. Its been a long time since we have talked but Meredyth and I have never forgotten your family. We know the deepness of the loss you feel. It will be 10 yrs. this May 8th since we lost Zack. There is just nothing to say to ease anything you feel. I used to write Zack letters and tell him everything. That helped me and please dont turn your back on God. You must trust His hand, but I dont think we can ever understand it. I truly feel that Phillip and Zack are getting to know each other now and will take care of one another. Just knowing you will be together again will help to heal your heart in time. My love and prayers to Julie and Travis. love Kymberly and Meredyth
Sandra,
You and your family are in our prayers.
Myra, Barry, Haley & Casie
All at City Transmission would like to express our deepest sympathy at the loss of so dear a friend to everyone here at the shop. He will be missed.
Sandra, Travis and family:
We just found out today and wanted to let you know that you are in our prayers and thoughts. Cody Anderson told us what happened. If there is anything that we can do, please let us know. I know that God has a plan for Phillip, but he will be greatly missed.
Best Regards, Sharon, Armando and Spencer Sansone
Will be saldy missed.
Your family will be in our thoughts. Love, Laura, Darlene, Julie,Geraldine and Sharon
Dear Sandra, Julie, and Travis,
What a wonderful Father and Husband Phillip was. We are praying for you during this very traumatic, sad time. Wish we could be with you, but as you know Harold is sick, if he were not, we would have hopped a plane last week. We pray that the many happy memories that you have made through these short years will help to bring you some comfort and that you will experience the peace of God that passes all understanding . He was so loving, giving, and always ready to help it seemed. We love you and will be praying for you . Harold and Jean Ballard
Dear Frieda, I wish there were some words that I could write that could bring comfort to your wounded and broken heart. You and Phillip were always so close, always sharing your life together in little and big ways. He was such a wonderful Son and you were a wonderful Mother to him. In the short 42 years that he lived he added a lot of blessing to your life and many others. Your precious memories of the times together , I pray, will bring you comfort . My prayers are with you for God’s presence, strength, and peace to be your portion during these traumatic days. I wish so much I could be there with you and the family. Love and prayers, Harold and Jean Ballard
Dear Gerald,
I was so sad to hear of Phillip’s death. I have been praying for each of you who loved him so much. He was such a good brother and also you were such a good brother to him. I know you have many memories of doing projects together. When we were back there visiting, I would see you working together on some thing,and I thought what a blessing it was to see you caring that much in a tangible way for each other. I pray that God will fill the emptiness and sadness of his going with His peace and presence and that you will find new strength every day. We have surely seen this past week how short and uncertain life is. I have surely been reminded how important it is to live each day to the fullest as we love and are in right relationship with others and with our Savior. We love you,Gerald. Harold and Jean Ballard
You are in my thoughts and payers.
Love,
Terri, Kenny and Lindsey
Covington
May the Lord comfort you.
Friend of Jeannie and Harold Ballard
I have worked with Phillip going on 10 years. He always had a kind word and loved to laugh as well as to make others laugh. He was a good man,a great technician and a wonderful father and husband. He will be missed greatly at Matthews Ford.
Dear Sandra,
I pray that God give you the strength to make it through the next few days. The love that you and Phillip have shared through all of these years was an awesome love. Anyone could see how deeply the two of you cared for each other. Know that you are not alone. Know that you have friends and family that care for you, Julie and Travis. Lean on us. That is what we’re here for. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to ask. I love you and your family and will help in any way I can.
Love,
Patty
Dear Julie and Travis,
The two of you are so incredibly lucky to have had such a wonderful, loving and caring father like Phillip. It was always so very obvious to me just how much he loved the both of you. Stay focused on being there for each other and for your Mother. You will need each other. Keep your memories of your Dad alive by reflecting on all of the great times you shared with him; no matter how small and simple you may think they are. Those are usually the most wonderful. Honor him by doing and living the way you know he would want and expect you to. If there is ever anything I can do for either of you, please never hesitate to ask.
Love,
Patty
SANDRA, I WAS SO SHOCKED TO HEAR ABOUT PHILLIP. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALL IN MY PRAYERS. IF YOU NEED ANYTHING AT ALL PLEASE LET US KNOW. I WISH THERE WAS SOMETHING I COULD SAY TO MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR YOU. PHILLIP WAS A GOOD PERSON.AND HE LOVED HIS FAMILY.PLEASE CALL ME IF YOU NEED ANYTHING(687-7583).
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU;
TONI MAHAFFEY
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family in this time of great sorrow. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you all,
J.R. & Ana Blackford
Nikki’s parents
Sandra, Frieda and children, I had the pleasure of working with Phillip for nearly two years at Matthews Ford. He will be remembered for the quality in all that he was….a loving husband, caring and proud parent, supportive and loving son, gentleman, proud and exacting technician,and quality human being that brought to each of us the simple pleasures and kindness that he shared with all. I remember him for his heart during our United Way renewal….he resigned and in his words….’I’ve given every week, every year just what I could. I’ve watched people around me who needed help receive it…’ Phillip will be honored everytime he is remembered….which will be often. My prayers that your hearts are lifted by God’s Grace and by feeling even now the spirit of Phillip’s love for each of you.
May God Bless and keep you….Rita Anderson
Dear Shirley and Family, We were deeply sorry to hear about your step-brother’s passing. I know it was a very sudden thing, and sometimes those are the most difficult to deal with. Please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to you and to Freida and the whole family. We did not know Philip, but that doesn’t matter. When a loved one is gone, it affects all those associated with that loved one. So know that we will be lifting you up with our prayers and support at this time.
Much love, Sissy and Randy
Sandra, Julie, and Travis,
I am very sorry to hear about Phillip. He was always a very kind hearted person. If you need anything at all please let me know. 828-335-5020 You all are in my prayers.
Sandra, Julie and Travis,
I am so sorry about Phillip. He will surely be missed. Please let me know is you need anything. I am always here for you.
Love, Sandra
Sandra, Julie & Travis,
May God Bless and help you through this trying time. Phi will be missed by many. We have lost a good friend. We had some good times together didn’t we? We love you very much. GOD BLESS YOU.
Sandra Julie and Travis, Phillip was one of my best friends. I will always remember the good times we shared.I just want you to know that Phillip talked about each of you often,and always with love. My families prayers are with all of you.Travis your father was a loving and caring man, you will do well in life by following his example. May God bless and comfort you.
May the Lord bless and keep you
May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
May the Lord lift up your countenance and give you peace.’
Numbers 6:24-26
Sandra, Julie & Travis: You are in our hearts and daily in our prayers. We grieve with you over this loss, and pray for peace in your hearts. With much love, Chris, Erin, Lilly, Jackson & Nash Rogers
To Frieda, Sandra, Julie, Travis, Joe and Jane and to the rest of the family, our heart felt sympathy goes out to all of you during this great loss of PHILLIP. May you feel his presence and comfort during this time in your life. God bless all of you and our prayers are with you. Bobbie and Shirley Arrowood
Dear Mathis Family,
My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. Phillip will be greatly missed. I feel privileged to have had known and worked with him, but most of all have him as a friend. May God comfort you.
Love,
Bob Haring
Dear Sandra and Travis,
I was deeply saddened to hear about your loss. I know this is a very difficult time for you, but I hope you will be able to find comfort in your many friends and family who are lifting you up in prayer right now. I love you, miss you and am praying for you.
Love, Terri
Several years ago I worked with Phillip at Matthew’s Ford. I was saddened to hear of Phillip’s passing and would like to extend my deepest condolences.
Dear Family,
I was so stunned and shocked to hear about your loss. I am the uniform man for Matthews Ford, and although I only knew Phillip thru there, he was a great and kind man! I always went over to his toolbox to give him his uni’s because he did not want anyone to take them! I just wanted to tell you what a fine man he was!
Sincerly,
Steven Parris
Our prayers are with you and your family right now. We want you to know we are here if you need us. God bless you and your family and know He is always there. Love Velvie and Terry Patterson
to all of your family our prayers are with you and our deepest sympathys
To the entire Mathis family,
As a former co-worker of Phillips,
I want you to know that my thoughts
and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Phillip will be greatly missed, he touched so many lives. May God comfort and keep you all.
Debbie Schupp
Dear Mathis Family,
Phillip had always been a help to me when I needed him. He stayed after work hours @ Matthews Ford when I worked there, to help me several times on my own vehicles. He truly was one to help in time of need. I am sorry for your lose. Phillip J. Dyer.
I remember speaking to Phillip everytime I came into the body shop, he was always smiling and willing to talk. He was a very nice person. I pray that you will find comfort in our Saviour. Sherry C. Dyer
Sandra and family,
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Love, The staff at Avery’s Creek Cafeteria
Dear Aunt Frieda, Sandra, Julie, Travis, Gerald, Shirley, and families,
We love you and are praying for you during this devastating time. We know Phillip is in the very presence of our Lord and Savior, but we cannot begin to know how very difficult this time is for you all. I know that the Lord loves you and cares for you more than you will ever know. He has your best interest in His heart and mind, even when there is no possible way to see it in the midst of losing someone you love so very much. Our love and prayers continue to be with you all as you trust the Lord each day.
Love, Tom, Cheryl, Angela, and Emily DeSantis
Nahum 1:7, Psalm 61:1-4, and Psalm 46:1
Sandra and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless you all at this time.
dear gearld and family where so sorry for your loss god bless all of you your all in our thought’s and prayer’s.
Sandra and family,
We are very sad to here about Phillip. We are very sorry for your loss and if there is anything that we can do please let us know. With lots of love and prayers, Todd and Jessica Hamlin
SANDRA WORDS CANNOT CONVEY,,HOW I FEEL,,WISH I COULD TAKE AWAY YOUR SORROW…PHILLIP WAS LOVED BY SO MANY…AND THE AWESOME LOVE YOU TWO HAD FOR EACH OTHER WILL LAST THRU ETERNITY,,HE WILL ALWAYS BE WATCHING OVER YOU,,JULIE AND TRAVIS,,AND HIS WONDERFUL MOTHER FRIEDA….JUST KNOW EVERYTHING ,GOD HAS A REASON..WE MIGHT NOT KNOW NOW..BUT WE WILL..
I WORKED WITH PHILLIP 19 YEARS..HE WAS ALWAYS A PERFECT GENTLEMAN,,KIND CARING,HELPFUL..AND A WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR..THERE IS ONE MORE BRIGHT STAR LOOKING DOWN..BECAUSE GOD CHOSE TO TAKE HIM TO THE WONDERFUL PLACE HE HAS PREPARED FOR US ALL…HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED AT MATTHEWS FORD,,HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN EACH OF OUR HEARTS..NO MORE,’GOOD MORNING,,ARE YOU OK?AND HAVE A GOOD DAY”’
I COME TO KNOW SOME OF YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY THEY ARE WONDERFUL,,LEAN ON THEM AT THIS TIME,,CHERISH PHILLIP’S MEMORIES,THEY ARE FOREVER…REMEMBER,I AM JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY…MUCH LOVE,,,JEAN
Sandra, Julie I can’t imagine how you feel, but just know that we are thinking of you. See you soon.
Jennifer, Eric and Miranda McCann