John Mathis Obituary
John A. Mathis, age 93 of Knoxville, passed away at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center on January 11, 2026. He was born in Dayton on October 5, 1932, the son of the late Pearl and Beatrice (Silvers) Mathis. He is also preceded in death by his son, Alan Mathis.
John was born and raised in Dayton before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1949. During his military career, he also served with the U.S. Secret Service and the CIA. Upon his retirement as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1975, he settled in Knoxville. John was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret (Sloggie) Mathis of Knoxville; his sons, Joseph Mathis of Knoxville and Jeffery (Lana) Mathis of Harriman; and his grandsons, Joseph Mathis and Ian Mathis, both of Lenoir City.
A graveside funeral service with full military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force will be held at Pine Crest Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his mother, at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, with Rev. Mark Hickman officiating.
Please share your memories and photos of John on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.
The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, Tennessee.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
164 Maple St., Dayton, TN 37321
People and places connected with John
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for John Mathis
Make a Donation
in John Mathis's name
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Mathis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
