James Royston (J.R.) Mathis

Jimmie Royston (J.R.) Mathis, a/k/a The Mule Man, passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Essie Smith Mathis and sister, Dorothy Ann Mathis Parks. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Ledford Mathis, daughter Evonda Mathis, brother-in-law, Neil Parks, niece, Levenia (Eston) Martin, great nieces, Laura Martin, Abbie (Craig) Barnes, and Lena (Mark) Bennett, and great-great niece and nephews, John Martin Bennett, Reagan Bennett and Benjamin Bennett.

Jimmie retired from Roadway Express in 1995 after 30+ years of safe driving. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Lafayette Lodge #44 F&AM.

Jimmie had a love for mules. He enjoyed shearing and washing them for showing, riding them, working them and most of all he enjoyed many years of doing hayrides all over North and South Georgia. His last pair of mules, Penny and Patty, also pulled the syrup mill for many years at the Cumming Country Fair. Penny and Patty now reside at the Jimmy Carter Historical National Park in Plains, Georgia.

Jimmie also had a love for Southern Gospel music, especially The Inspirations from Bryson City North Carolina. He and Mary spent 40+ years attending singings and working at their favorite spot: on top of the mountain at the Singing in the Smokies.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 18, at 3:00 p.m. at the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harold Bottoms and Rev. Scott Sorrells officiating. Entombment will follow at Sawnee View Gardens Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

The family wishes to thank the Bell Minor Home for all of their care and compassion shown during J.R.’s time there..

The family requests donations be made in Jimmie’s honor to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 125, Cumming, Georgia 30028.

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at ingramfuneralhome.com.