James Leo Mathis

In the early morning hours of Thursday, December 26, 2019, James Leo Mathis, age 72, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away at Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville.  The son of the late James E. Mathis and Pauline Raines Bartlett, he was born in McDowell County, North Carolina on May 26, 1947.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gail Mathis, who passed away in 2012; one brother, Wayne Mathis; and two sisters, Shirley Mathis and Lucille Owensby. 

Leo, who was known to be an excellent handyman, stood firm in what he believed in.  He was known to be an honest and opinionated man, but would also give you the shirt off his back. Leo was a member of Hankins Baptist Church. 

Mr. Mathis is survived by one daughter, Dale Alimo; one son, Buster Mathis (Michelle); one sister, Ann Effler (Paul); six grandchildren, Shane, Shawn, Matthew, Amber, Megan and Brooke; and eight great grandchildren, Nathan, Spencer, Brayden, Lilliana, Raelyn, Brayden M., Addison and Brantley.  He is also survived by his former spouse, whom he had remained good friends with through the years, Sandy Mathis. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Pastor Don Mitchell and Pastor Danny White officiating.  Interment will follow at Barnes Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.

Flowers are acceptable and appreciated.  Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Leo’s memory are asked to consider, American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Building 1, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 or by visiting www.cancer.org.