Keith Alan Mathis

Keith Alan Mathis born in the Lord's grace on June 18, 1955, one of six children of Billy Mathis Sr. and Alma Lee Mathis of Little Rock, Ark. joined his Father in Heaven on August 1, 2018. He was a longtime member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he was a member for the better part of seven decades, having joined Mt. Zion under the leadership of The Reverend Fred T. Guy. Mr. Mathis served as an usher for over 20 years. Mr. Mathis attended Little Rock Public Schools and graduated from Hall High School. Upon graduation Mr. Mathis enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country in Germany for four years. After his years in the service Mr. Mathis attended Texas Southern University, The University of Texas Medical and Dental Schools and Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Ark. Mr. Mathis worked as a teacher in the Little Rock Public System for several years. Mr. Mathis was a lifelong learner and in his later years studied photography and astronomy with zeal. He was also an ardent sports fan with a deep love for baseball, football and basketball. Mr. Mathis believed in his Lord Jesus Christ and that in his death he would be reunited with love ones who had preceded him in death, his Mother, Alma Mathis, who he adored and who adored him, his Father, Billy Mathis, Sr., and his older brother, Gilbert Mathis. His loved ones will forever cherish his memory. They include his elder brother, Billy Mathis, Jr. and his wife Lisa of Redding, Conn., his elder sister, Michele Bailey and husband William of Little Rock, his younger sister, Dana Smith and husband Derrick, of Little Rock, AR, and his younger brother Christopher Mathis and wife Linh of Frisco, Texas. His legacy also includes many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday August 12, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ruffin and Jarrett Funeral Home located at 1200 S. Chester St. Little Rock, Ark. 72202. Burial will be held at the Veteran's Cemetery in North Little Rock at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Philander Smith College, Institutional Advancement, 900 W. Daisy Bates Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72202, in the name of Keith Mathis.