Roy Wayne Mathis

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Mr. Roy Wayne Mathis, 66, passed away at his home in Crestview, FL on Monday, January 15, 2024. The funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, January 20, 2024, in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Fish Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in Eastover Memorial Cemetery in Oxford, MS. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11:00 AM at Waller Funeral Home.

Born in Oxford, MS to the late Robert Clarence and Dorothy Watson Mathis, Master Sergeant Mathis served in the United States Air Force. His military career began immediately after high school in September of 1975. This 4-year term of service ended in July 1979. He reentered the Air Force in July 1981 serving a nineteen-year term ending in September 2000 at Moody Air Force Base. MSGT Mathis served in units at Eglin’s Air Force Base: 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, 33rd Munitions Maintenance Systems and the 58th Aircraft Generation Squadron. While serving at Eglin Air Force Base 3207 MMS, he was in the 46th Test Wing Unit. In Iceland, MSGT Mathis served with the 57th Fighter Inceptor Squadron. He completed his career at Moody Air Force Base serving with units: 347th Fighter Wing, 347th Equipment Maintenance Squadron and the 70th Fighter Squadron. Following his military career, he worked as a Technical Writer with Boeing Enterprises.

Along with his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Beth Keel.

Mr. Mathis is survived by his wife, Debra P. Mathis of Crestview, FL; daughter, Tracie Mathis of Norco, LA; sister, Wanell McCoy of Oxford, MS; stepsons, Seth Gabriel of Williamston, NC and James Keel of Water Valley, MS; and one grandchild, Caleb Gabriel. He was also survived by kids that felt like his, Taylor Way and Morgan McGregor; and grandkids like his own, Molly Claire Carr and Richie Keel. He is also survived by his many, many friends throughout the years and his little dog, “Spirit”.