Jerry Daniel Mathis, 77, of Murphy went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, December 18, 2013 in a Murphy hospital. He was a native of Fannin County, GA, but had lived in Murphy 43 years. He was a member of River Valley Baptist Church, serving as song leader for the majority of that time. Jerry also played the guitar for the church. His hobbies included hunting, gardening, beekeeping, and playing and singing gospel music.

He was the son of the late Oris and Ethel Chastain Mathis. He was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Earl Walden Sr.

Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Irene Raper Mathis; two sisters, Inez Walden of Akron, OH and Katie Yon and husband, Andrew of Sumter, SC; a brother, E.J. Mathis and wife, Betty of Asheville. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews; and a special friend and hunting buddy, Kenneth Waters of Epworth, GA. 

The family would also like to thank the caring staff of Murphy Medical Center and especially his friend, Dr. David Mock.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Sunday, December 22 at River Valley Baptist Church with the Revs. Waymon Lovell, Emory Samples, and Charles Raper officiating. Interment was in River Valley Baptist Cemetery.  Pallbearers were Eddie and Kevin Mathis, Matney Hawkins, Andrew Yon, Henry Raper, and Reid Mathis. Honorary pallbearers were A.J. Yon IV, Charles Mathis, Kenneth Waters, Johnny Hamby, Cecil Allen, Keith Oler, Art Lee, Mike Thomas, Tommy Hamby, Cecil Anderson, Earl Walden Jr., Paul Troyer, Bill Patterson, Ira Davenport, Tommy Grindstaff, Joe and Jim Dickey, John Henry Payne, Junior Foster, Jerry Housley, and all of his nephews whom he greatly loved.

The family received friends from 6-8 Saturday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy where the body remained until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.