John Michael "Mike" Mathis

John Michael (Mike) Mathis age 53, of Panama City Beach, FL, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025. He was born July 10, 1972, in Stone Mountain, Georgia, son of Mary Mathis and the late Ronald Mathis.

Mike was first and foremost a dedicated, loving family man. He and Michele married in 1998 and built a beautiful family with three sons, Walker (Hannah), William (Lena), and Joe who were the focus of everything Mike did. Their home has always been a place for all to gather and feel like a part of the family. Mike was often mastering the grill or orchestrating a crab boil. He was known for bringing people together and joking with everyone. He enjoyed woodworking and painting, a hobby he carried on from his father. Traveling with the family, photography, and his Dauschund lap buddy, Furry Dan were favorite pastimes. He coached youth baseball and soccer as well as serving as Pack 77 Cub Scout Leader.

As a young man, Mike attended Redan High School in Stone Mountain where he lettered in varsity soccer and made life-long friends. Mike then attended The University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. His love for the Dawgs was celebrated throughout his life by attending games with his boys and serving as VP of the Emerald Coast UGA Alumni Club.

Mike began his career with the Florida Forest Service in June 2007 as a Forester in Bonifay, following years of running his own forestry business. His strong work ethic and natural leadership quickly propelled him into the role of Regional CFA Coordinator for the Florida Panhandle, where he served as a trusted liaison for landowners and a mentor to young foresters. In May 2015, he became the Forestry Operations Administrator for two state forests in Bay and Walton counties, and just two years later, he stepped into the role that would define his impact on so many - Center Manager for the Chipola Forestry Center.

In that position, Mike oversaw wildland fire operations and forestry across seven counties, leading with the same compassion, humor, and steady confidence that made him so respected. His dedication reached far beyond Florida; he deployed to numerous states to assist with natural disasters and wildfire response. In 2022, he earned his Certified Public Manager designation and was honored with the prestigious National Wildfire Mitigation Award - a testament to both his expertise and his heart for service.

Mike's legacy will carry on through his beloved wife Michele, their boys, and his mom. One has only to get a glimpse of the young men they have grown to be to understand what an amazing father and husband he was. Mike's forestry family described him as a great leader whose lighthearted spirit and genuine kindness are lasting gifts to the Chipola district and to everyone fortunate enough to have worked alongside him. His impact continues to be evident as people share stories of how much he affected their lives personally and professionally.

Mike was preceded in death by his father Ron, brother Paul Mathis, Aunt Bonnie Combes, and grandparents Billy and Virginia Anderson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Destiny Worship Center in Panama City Beach, FL on December 11, 2025, at 2pm, officiated by Pastor Wayne Asprodites.

While valiantly battling cancer, Mike and Michele were blessed to fly to MD Anderson in Houston with Pilots for Christ out of Monroeville, AL (https://pilotsforchrist.net/). In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Mike's memory to help others receive travel assistance.