Mathis – Elijah Thomas "Tommy" Mathis, Jr., age 88, of Hilliard, FL, passed away on September 4, 2020.  Tommy was born in Mitchell, GA on August 1, 1932 to the late Elijah Thomas Mathis and Martha Susan Raley.  As a young man, Tommy joined the United States Air Force in 1952 and proudly served his country during the Korean War.  After being discharged, his passion for the skies lead him to a longtime career as an Air Traffic Controller with the Federal Aviation Administration, where he worked until his retirement in 1988. On September 27, 1958, Tommy married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Gentry.  Outside of work, Tommy loved to hunt, fish, and fly, and he was a member of Rivers Edge Church.  Missions were dear to his heart, whether traveling to South Africa or volunteering at a local food ministry.  Most of all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, who loved spending time with his family.  He will be dearly missed.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Lamar Mathis and Harry Mathis; and his sister, Ruby Davis.

Tommy is survived by is wife, Pat; his sons, Darrel (Mary Kay) Mathis of Lake City, FL and Larry (Kandy) Mathis of Decatur, AL; his daughter, Kim (Tony) Clemons of Smyrna, TN; his brother, Roy (Jane) Mathis of Griffin, GA; his sister, Daisy (JL) Chalker of Gibson, GA; his grandchildren, Stephanie, Katherine, Danielle, Matthew, Chance and  Zak Mathis, Alex (Jordan) and Evan Clemons; and his great grandson, Clayton Clemons.

A Celebration of Tommy's Life will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at 11 a.m. at The First Alliance Church, 37207 Mill St., Hilliard, FL 32046, with Pastor Gerald Wollitz officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the church prior to the service.  Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.  The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, FL 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family's guest book.