Deacon Otis "Doc" Mathews, Jr.

Obituary For Deacon Otis "Doc" Mathews, Jr.

Deacon Otis “Doc” Mathews, Jr. was born on January 10, 1935, as the ninth child of the late Sarah Dawson Mathews and the late Otis Mathews, Sr. of Butler, Taylor County, Georgia. Growing up in the Carsonville Community, he received his education in the public schools of Taylor County.

Like many African American youths of his era, Otis joined the great Black Northern Migration, moving to Cleveland, Ohio in the mid-1950s to join his brothers, Henry Brown Mathews and Otha Mathews. However, after returning home for Christmas in 1957, he decided to stay and married the love of his life, Hallie Belle Gray, on January 4, 1958. Together, they were blessed with one son, Michael. They remained married for over 67 years, until Hallie's death on May 7, 2025.

Otis earned a living working at the textiles mills of Thomaston, Georgia, but his true passion was working on cars. From a young age, he was known for his knack for fixing things, a skill fondly remembered by his siblings. His Warmth and generosity were evident to everyone he met, always greeting others with a big smile and a heartfelt hug. Although he was their younger brother, Otis was a protector to his big sisters, always offering advice, transportation when needed, and a helping hand at all tasks. His kindness extended to his nieces, nephews, and all who had the pleasure of knowing Doc.

A man of deep faith, Otis was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church in Butler and later became a devoted member of Welcome Grove Baptist Church, serving on the Deacon's Board and various other areas of ministry. He lived by the conviction that “Everything Moves by the Power of God.”

Otis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, devoted parents, six sisters---Climmie Revere, Susie Ellison, Everlee Howell, Fannie Searcy, Dollie Russell, and Ruby Walker---and three brothers, Henry Brown Mathews, Otha Mathews, and Thurman, Mathews. On Sunday, November 16, 2025, the Lord looked down and saw His son in distress. He called his name, Otis answered, and his spirit returned to his heavenly Father.

He leaves to cherish in memory: his son, Michael Mathews, of Charleston, SC; a sister Rosie Mae Carter of Thomaston, GA; two brothers, Jessie Mathews and James (Annie) Mathews of South Bend, IN; a sister-in-law, Sherman Gray of Culloden, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and a host of friends.