J.L. Mathis, 75, of Ray City, died Monday January 9, 2023 at SGMC in Valdosta.

He was born April 22, 1947 in Lanier County to the late James Mathis and the late Everlyn Rouse Mathis. He retired from civil service at Moody Air Force Base and was a member of Knight's Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. He loved hunting and watching the dogs run. He served in the United States Army in Vietnam, was a sharpshooter/marksman and was preceded in death by a son: Kerry Mathis.

He is survived by a son: Kevin (Marla) Mathis of Nashville; 2 sisters: Mary Nell (Vernon) Hughes of Nashville and Martha Nell Woody of Lakeland; 2 grandchildren: Marlie Ann Mathis and Kaden Mathis; several special nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday January 12, 2023 at 4 PM in the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with the Rev. Vernon Hughes and the Rev. Scotty Mathis officiating. Interment will follow in the Nashville Memorial Gardens. Visitation is Wednesday from 6 to 8 PM in the funeral home.