July 11, 1943 - March 15, 2025
Marvin Delaine Mathis, age 81, died peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2025. A celebration of life was held Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Central Baptist Church, at 12:00 noon with a visitation for family and friends at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Greg Thompson officiated.
Marvin was born on July 11, 1943, in Forsyth, Georgia to the late Vines Emory Mathis and Bobbie Lee Cranford Mathis from Bleckley County, Georgia. He was also preceded in death by his brother, James Calvin Mathis and sister, Shirley Jeanne Evans.
Marvin graduated from Lanier High School in 1962. He was an Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 2 in Payne City. He worked as a draftsman for William Exley Smith Structural Engineering and Chester Crowel Architects, as a draftsman/construction superintendent for Smith and Sons Cafeterias. Marvin also worked in construction, estimating, consulting and general contracting for residential and commercial for a variety of firms. He was also the building superintendent for the GBI Crime Lab where he met his wife Shirley in 1981.
Marvin was a member of Vineville Presbyterian PCA Church in Macon Georgia for thirty-eight years, and currently a member of Central Baptist Church. He enjoyed classic country music, Nascar racing and watching old Sci-Fi movies. He loved family, his church and his church family.
He is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Shirley McCrimmon Mathis; daughters, Maria Lana Johnston (David), Brandi Barfield (Stephen), Rhonda Palmer (John), Amy Sims (Joey); sons, Toby Lane Mathis and Darren Hayes (Calynn); he had 19 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Marvin asks that donations be made to the Benevolence Fund at Central Baptist Church, P.O. Box 187, Gray, GA 31032.
The name Marvin means “A Notable Friend.” Proverbs 18:24. “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Marvin Mathis was a friend to everyone he met. He had a quick wit and a magnetic personality. He was dearly loved by many and will be sorely missed, but he is at peace now with his savior.
