Robert Ray Mathis

Robert Ray Mathis, “Ray” born on December 5, 1937, was reborn on October 18, 2023, at the age of 85. That moment was shared by all his children, two of his granddaughters, Erica and Peyton and his brother Dickie. A room full of love and heartfelt memories shared.

Ray was a man whose love came from his unspoken deeds and providing for his family. In 1964 Ray started Ray’s body shop with a dream. All 5 of his children played a part in that dream. At some point all of his children and a couple of his grandchildren worked there, we learned from Ray that a person is not measured by what he had but by what a person does.

We could give a list of what he loved but his biggest love was being at home with his wife and providing for his family. When it came to his grandkids they surpassed even his own kids, they meant so much to him.

Ray is survived by his wife of 68 years Geneva Smith Mathis his loving children: Jerry Mathis (Myra), Gina Miller (Mike), Dale Mathis (Wanda), Lisa Legg, and Julie Heitman (John). He will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren: David Baxley, Erica McKnight (Mitch), Megan Shultz (Justin), Taylor Ann Mathis, Peyton Thompson (Sarah), Pressley Martin, and Afton Legg.  His Great grandchildren Miller McKnight, Kingstin McKnight, Elena Martin, and Ryder Shultz.  His brothers Walter Mathis, Dickie Mathis (Barbara), and sister-in-law Sylvia Mathis.

Ray was preceded in death by his father, Roy Edward Mathis, his mother, Julia Ackerman Mathis, his brother, Eddie Mathis, his sister, Patty Ann Perryman, his sister, Teresa Mathis, his son-in-law, Brent Legg, his grandson, Evan Miller and all of his special brothers-in-law from the Smith family.

We will miss you so much and will be forever grateful for what you did to help make all of us the people we are today. 

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 22, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Hayworth Miller Funeral Home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A graveside service will take place on Monday, October 23, at 12:00 PM at The Smith Family Cemetery. Officiated by Johnny Sealy and his son Jerry Mathis

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookstone Assisted Living in Clemmons and Mountain Valley Hospice for their support and care for our Dad and Family during this time.