Michael Mathis Obituary

Michael Mathis

67, passed away on March 12, 2013 in Southern California. Michael best known for his enduring smile and positive attitude died after a long illness. A great musician, singer and song writer, Michael appeared in many local Bay Area venues as well as touring internationally with various bands. Michael attended Presidio Junior High & Washington High school in San Francisco. He also served his country in the U.S. Army. Michael is survived by his brothers John and Ralph, as well as his sisters Elizabeth and Linda. He will also be missed by his many niece's and nephews who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents Clemmie L. Mathis Sr and Mildred B. Mathis, brother Clemmie L. Mathis, Jr. and sister Marguerite McMillian.

Music was the heartbeat of Michael's world. He wrote it, played it, sang it and he lived it!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 10 to Apr. 11, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Mathis

14 Entries

Kathy Lynch-Bacsik

December 20, 2023

I will always cherish our friendship from the 1980s. He and Louise were a wonderful couple.

Dona Klein

October 3, 2020

I met him in the late 70's in Los Angeles. I remember him being a very sweet man. May he rest in peace.

Bertrand Trottier

June 30, 2018

I met Michael at the Both And Club in San Francisco early 1970. His band was performing Latin Jazz and good music at that! I was in the US Navy, serving aboard the USS Providence, CLG-6 which was stationed TD at Hunter's Point for repairs to its boilers. I was in Navigation also serving as ship's bugler, a hold over from my last duty as Ship's Bugler aboard the famous USS New Jersey BB-62. I was the fist US Navy Bugler since the phase out after WWII (1947) and the last upon separation in 3 March 1971. After seeing Eddie Harris and his Electric Sax, Cal Tjader down the street on Divisadero and Miles Davis next door, I stopped in to see this "Box Spring Mathis" band. I really enjoyed the music and saw an opportunity to 'sit in' so I talked to Michael during a break. I came by the next night with my trumpet and sat in with the band for the next 2-3 months. It was a joyful, very friendly and diverse group of maybe 5-6 excellent musicians; Cuban, Guatemalan, Black, of course and me, the only WHITE guy! To blend in I had already purchased a long hair wig, yellow bellbottom pants, crazy blue, BIG collar shirt with huge cufflinks and the obligatory nutty looking neckerchief. LOL Michael laughed at me and told me to get rid of everything except the wig, "definitely KEEP the wig!" LOL Yeah, I did look sort of weird especially being only 5'2" tall and VERY White! In short, I had the pleasure of having dinner with him and Johnny, who is a GREAT cook! I also met his father as they were wanted me to join a 'new' 6 piece band that would be made up of all races. Michael was a dear and kind hearted sole, very much like Johnny. I was invited to leave the club with Michael many times a he always had a girl or two on his arm telling me "I'm making up for Johnny." Sadly, I never kept up with Michael after leaving the service as I pursued my career in architecture at USC.

Pheon Davis

March 26, 2017

Me and Mike went to George Washington High School together we were also in the Latin blues and jazz band we also took basic training at Fort Polk Louisiana together may you rest in peace my brother. Your friend tex.

April 23, 2013

Michael and I were classmates at GWHS and spent one semester together at CCSF. I will certainly miss you. Rest in peace, dear one.
-j-

Steve Shapiro

April 16, 2013

Mike was a good and fun friend when I knew him at GWHS. Never saw him after we graduated because I moved away from the City. I wish that I had stayed longer to develop life long friendships, but that's not what we do any more. If he knew Jesus Christ, I will see him again soon.

April 16, 2013

I didn't know Michael but Ralph and I were classmates at Washington High. My sympathy goes out to Ralph and the whole Mathis family.

I will always treasure our friendship

Maria (Carter) Morgan

April 12, 2013

Michael and I were good friends in the 70's but sadly lost touch with each other. I will never forget his kindness, compassion, laughter, and talent. Rest in peace Michael. You never left my heart. My love, thoughts and prayers are with your family.

April 12, 2013

Rest in Peace Michael. I too went to Jr. High and High School with Michael. His family lived down the Street from me on 32nd Avenue. He was an amazing performer even in Jr. High School. RIP! -Bev (McNeil) Widney

Sheila B.

April 11, 2013

Ralph and family-I met you many years ago in your dad's home on 32nd Ave. I went from Alamo up with Mike who was a bit ahead of me, then later I had a friend who dated him for a long time. I would run into him now and then prior to his becoming ill and moving to So Cal. Very sweet always and my favorite rendition of "Try a Little Tenderness" was done by him. Take care and know that you are not alone in this, there are many praying for you during this time.

Pat Tucker

April 11, 2013

Sympathy extended to family. Michael and I were classmates at Washington High. May God Bless you all.

MaryJane O'Keefe

April 11, 2013

I went through Presidio and Washington with Michael and always thought of him as a very kind person as well as being clever and quite funny. I didn't really know him after high school, but want to express my heartfelt sympathy to his family. and to honor his memory. Rest In Peace Michael.

April 11, 2013

The Mathis Family have a lot to be proud of. Thoughts and Prayers to all of them during a difficult time. Johnny Mathis & his brother have brought much happiness to SF through their music.

Carlos/Pam Rollo/Burns

April 11, 2013

Dear Ralph,
Please accept our sympathy. We know it's been a long illness.
Carlos & Pam

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