Larry Elton Mathis
Larry Elton Mathis, 64, of Etowah passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 22, at his home. A son of the late Elton and Elsie Mathis, he was born in Montgomery County, Maryland. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Gary Mathis.
Raised in Carroll County, Maryland, later moving to Greer in his late 20’s, where he and his wife, Sheila, raised their daughter, Lynne and he started his own business. Larry graduated from South Carroll High School, in Maryland, as a newly married man. They married on Sheila’s birthday, a few weeks before graduation in 1972.
After his daughter and grandson moved to Henderson County, he and Sheila followed shortly after and built a new home in Flat Rock, where they resided for the past 15 years. Last year Larry retired and decided to downsize and move a little closer to his daughter, yet again. He and his wife Sheila moved into their new home in Etowah, North Carolina in July of this year.
After selling his company in the mid 90s, Larry later went on to work for 13 years at North Greenville University. Larry was fortunate to have spent his last years working with a great leader and a truly committed & genuine team of co-workers and friends. Larry retired from the University in 2016.
Larry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sheila Marie Mathis; daughter, Lynne Pressley Cook and son in law, Michael Odell Cook; grandson, Joshua Ross Pressley and granddaughter, Leigha Riley Cook; other family survivors: Dottie Mansfield & her husband Joe (Westminster, MD); Margie Edens and her husband Sonny “Ray” (Inman); Wanda “Cookie” Greene (Chester); Linda Livesay & her husband Ricky (Manchester, MD), Thomas Mack, Sr., brother in law & his wife Debbie (Key West, FL), George T. Mathis, cousin and dear friend (Hagerstown, MD); along with several other cousins, nieces and nephews.
Larry had so many very special friends throughout his life, but the family would like to recognize Catherine “Kate” Prehm and Robert Howard. Thank you for going the extra mile down the road of his journey. You brought many laughs and much happiness to his heart.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, January 25, 2018 in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 3-4 p.m. in the chapel.
Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com for online condolences.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
