Walter H. Mathis Jr.

Walter H. Mathis Jr., 68, of Vineland passed away early Thursday morning, Dec. 27, 2012, in the South Jersey Healthcare HospiceCare Inpatient Care Center in Bridgeton.

Walt was born in Camden and raised in Lindenwold, where he was a longtime resident prior to moving to Vineland in 1992. He was the son of the late Mildred (Gale) and Walter H. Mathis Sr. He also was predeceased by two sons, George and Donald; and a granddaughter, Ashleigh.

Walt was employed as a truck driver for over 40 years and had worked at S. Coraluzzo Trucking Co. for more than 27 years. He was the recipient of the 1 Million Mile safe driving award. Walt was a longtime member of the Lindenwold Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, where he had also served on the Board of Fire Commissioners. He was also a member of the New Jersey State Exempt Fireman's Association. Walt had also served the borough as a police officer and dispatcher. He served in the Army Reserve with the Batt C, 1st BN, 112th Artillery. Walt enjoyed working in his yard on his tractor and raising Dalmatian dogs.

He is survived by his best friend and wife of 34 years, Helen (Schleicher); five children, Larry (Mary) Ballentine, Laura Howell, Jerri (Jim) Stokes, Michelle (Howard) Gwin and Gayle (Bill) Ulrich; three grandsons, Christopher, Michael and Vincent; eight granddaughters, Amanda, Christina, Rebecka, Taylor, Samantha, Haylee, Mackenzie and Jordan; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends will be received on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Pancoast Funeral Home, 676 S. Main Road, Vineland, where his funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday. Cremation and inurnment will follow.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ashleigh Gwin to Rainbow of Heroes, Duke University 13 RH, DUMC, P.O. Box 3350, Durham, N.C. 27710.

To email condolences and/or tributes, please visit www.pancoastfuneralhome.com.