Charles Thomas "Tommy" Mathis

POLKTON – On Thursday, February 4, 2021, Mr. Charles Thomas “Tommy” Mathis, 83, passed away at his home. Tommy was born January 3, 1938 and was a son of the late Charlie Woodrow Mathis and the late Myrtle Kirk Mathis. Tommy’s parents both passed away when he was a small child, his father when he was 3 and his mother when he was 5. He was lovingly cared for and reared by his grandmother. He was a graduate of Polkton High School. While in high school he played basketball, was the class treasurer, voted most athletic, most intelligent, most popular, most musical and best sport. It should also be noted, however, among all his achievements in school he was still considered by his friends as the class clown! That continued through life as he was always known by his family as the ultimate prankster with an infectious laugh. He cherished many hobbies, enjoyed the outdoors, and had a special place in his heart for animals. His employment included several years with Irving Construction Company and Piedmont Tools, both in Charlotte. After moving back to Polkton, he worked for a brief period of time at Polkton Manufacturing, later for Clark Equipment in Rockingham and finished his career with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He was a faithful member of Polkton Baptist Church where he was ordained a deacon. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Doug Mathis (Kim) of Kernersville, Lisa Burleson (Billy) of Norwood and Lori Bennett (Jeremy) of Amelia Island, FL; his grandchildren, Emily Mathis, Carter Mathis, Brittany Chisom (Josh), Nathan Burleson (Amber), Brinley Carpenter (Jordan), Kaya Bennett and Brycen Bennett; his great-grandchildren, Korbin, Max, Jovian, Vance, Brooklyn, Benjamin and Theodore and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marie Terry of Wadesboro and Benny Clanton, Jr. of Leveland, TX. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Clanton Mathis and his companion, Doris Whittington. The family will have a private graveside service in Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church Cemetery and a celebration of Tommy’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Polkton Baptist Church, P.O. Box 10, Polkton, NC 28135 or the Friends of the Anson County Animal Shelter, c/o Maureen Lett, 307 Leak Ave., Wadesboro, NC 28170. The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com