Dawson Mathis, 76, of Nashville died Monday April 17, 2017 in Tift Regional Medical Center.

He was born November 30, 1940 in Berrien County to the late Marvin Wilbur Mathis and the late Nell Dawson Abell. He was a former news anchor for WALB TV; former Second Congressional District Representative in the United States Congress for 10 years and was a self employed lobbyist. He was a member of Byne Memorial Baptist Church in Albany and attended Nashville United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by a son: Craig Mathis.

He is survived by his wife: Cathy Jo Mathis of Nashville; 3 sons: Tony (Cynde) Mathis of Jacksonville, FL, Jason (Misty) Mathis of Albany and Rusty (Leigh) Mathis of Leesburg; 2 brothers: Ron (Betty) Mathis of Fairfax, VA and Rick (Karen) Mathis of Pembroke, NC; 6 grandchildren: Melanie Mathis, Shannon (Thomas) Griffin, Miranda Mathis (Adam Campbell), Kaitlyn (Josh) Massey, Hunter and Madison Mathis; 4 great grandchildren: Olivia and Madeline Culbreth, Bryce and Vayda Campbell; aunts: Edna Abel and Ann Mayfield; uncle: Jick Abell; numerous cousins.

The family has honored his request for cremation. A memorial service will be held Saturday April 29, 2017 at 2 PM in the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with the Rev. Dean Majette officiating. Visitation will be Saturday April 29, 2017 from 10-11 AM and 1-2 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are requested to Berrien County Humane Society P.O. Box 1044 Nashville, GA 31639, The Caring Place c/o Nashville United Methodist Church P.O. Box 5036 Nashville, GA 31639, or to a charity of choosing.