Ray Mathis, age 81, of Western Grove, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025. He was born on April 28, 1944, in Hasty, Arkansas, to Hoyl and Thelma (Morrow) Mathis. He graduated from Western Grove High School and was drafted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he served his country with honor before being medically discharged.

He then returned to the area and began a career in concrete construction. He managed the M&M Ready Mix plant in Harrison, succeeding his lifelong friend Howard Robinson, and later managed Joplin Concrete until his retirement.

Ray was an avid outdoorsman and proficient storyteller, and he loved to combine these two traits into endless hunting tales. He was an expert marksman, and he was happiest in the woods or floating the Buffalo River. His favorite memories were cheering on the Razorbacks, hunting, fishing and camping, especially when he was with his family. Ray had a great sense of humor, and loved to laugh, particularly when beating his opponents in a fierce game of checkers.

Above all, Ray was a dedicated family man. Nothing brought him more joy than supporting his children and grandchildren at their games, concerts and activities. Ray was known for always showing up with a helping hand, ready to support his family and community.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Evelyn Spalinger; two brothers, William and Billy Mathis, and a daughter-in-law, Dawn Mathis.

He leaves behind his wife, Barbara Mathis; two sons, Kevin and Kent Mathis; one daughter, Kristal (Mathis) Methvin; three stepchildren, Jackie Slusher, James and Jeff Nelson; 11 grandchildren, Caleb Mathis, Mary (Mathis) Westlake, Anna Mathis, Jacob Methvin, Makayla Methvin, Kennedy Methvin, Jeffrey and Britney Nelson, Ashton Couch, Wes and Kabria Dorn; three great grandchildren; one brother, Leon Mathis; and one sister, Joyce Mathis.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison. Funeral service is Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Northside Church of Christ with Rev. Tollie Sutterfield officiating. Burial will follow at Western Grove Cemetery under the direction of Coffman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Caleb Mathis, Jacob Methvin, Caleb Westlake, Walker Robinson, Jeff and James Nelson.

Honorary pallbearers include The Springs of Mt. Vista staff, including his physical therapists Joe and Cristy, and M&M Ready Mix employees.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Western Grove Cemetery Fund, PO Box 113, Western Grove, AR, 72685, or to the American Cancer Society.

On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com .