William D. "Bill" Mathis,

William D. (Bill) Mathis, age 93, of Calhoun, passed away Monday January 31, 2011 at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born January 21, 1918 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a faithful member of the Calhoun First Baptist Church and the Faith Seekers Sunday School Class, where he served as secretary and treasurer until his health declined. He retired in 1983 from North Brothers Insulation Company where he had worked for 31 years. Bill took great pride in his yard and did his own yard work until about two years ago when declining health prevented him from doing so. He was preceded in death by his parents, William D. and Talitha Mathis, a son, William D. Mathis III, a brother, John Mathis and a sister, Kathryn Moore. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Kathryn Walraven Mathis, a daughter, Sandra Mathis and Sue Snider of Richmond, Ky., two sons and daughters in laws, Donald and Sharon Mathis of Honolulu, Hawaii and Alan and Rosemary Mathis of Gatesville, Texas and a daughter in law, Rita Hilton and her husband Ted. He is also survived by a sister in law, Kayanne Walraven and a brother and sister in law, Charles and Jeannie Walraven. Eight grandchildren, Donald and Daniel Mathis, Michelle, Doyle, Joseph and James Mathis and Melanie Mathis, Kathy Lee Eppinger and Lynn Mathis. Three step-grandchildren, Ron and Chad Forester and April Forester. Fifteen great grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews and a very special niece, Valerie Jackson. Funeral services will be conducted at 2pm Thursday February 3rd from the Calhoun First Baptist Church. With Dr. Bert Vaughn and Al Cadenhead officiating. Barry Bryant will have charge of the music. Interment will follow in Fain Cemetery. Pallbearers include, Randy and Rhett Jackson, George, Grant, Drew and Bart Walraven. Honorary pallbearers are members of The Faith Seekers Sunday School Class of the First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening between 4 and 8pm. In addition to flowers contributions may be made to the Future Cancer Center of Gordon Hospital, 1035 Red Bud Road, Calhoun, Georgia,30701 or the Calhoun First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 758, Calhoun, Georgia,30703 Thomas Funeral is in charge of the funeral services for Mr. William D. (Bill) Mathis.