Junior Mathis

A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Junior Mathis, 69, of Oro Valley, AZ, passed away peacefully at his home April 5, 2013. He had bravely confronted and fought kidney disease. He was born December 20, 1943 in Dover, Tennessee, and resided in Oro Valley, AZ for the past 17years, having moved from Sugar Hill, GA to operate his own restaurant franchise. He received a Bachelors degree from Southern Illinois University. Junior was in the US Air Force from 1961-1965. Junior taught elementary school before joining the Granite City firefighters in Granite City, IL. After serving ten years as a firefighter, Junior accepted a position with Zee Medical and moved the family to Stone Mountain, GA. In 1985 he joined the restaurant industry managing several restaurants until in 1995 he opened his own franchise in Tucson, AZ. Junior loved to fish and golf in his free time. Many close friends and family will fondly remember his gift for charismatic story telling. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sally Hunter Mathis; his son Mark Mathis and his wife, Michelle Mathis of Seattle, WA; his son Kevin Mathis and his wife, Brandy Mathis of Monroe, GA; his daughter Sara Hardigan and her husband Aaron Hardigan of Johor Bahru, Malaysia; his brother David Mathis and his wife, Linda Mathis of San Antonio, TX; and 8 grandchildren.