Cornelius Mathis, 80, of Sylva, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 12, 2026.

Cornelius was born on September 27, 1945, to the late Virgil and Icelene Brown Mathis. Born and raised in Jackson County, he lived there for most of his life and was widely known throughout the community as “Mutt.”

Cornelius lived a life marked by hard work and devotion to his family. He worked in coal mining and construction before spending many years as the manager of APAC asphalt plant in Waynesville. Handy and resourceful, he could work with his hands and generously shared his abilities with others. He was an excellent provider whose humor brought joy and laughter to his family.

Drafted into the United States Army on July 11, 1966, Cornelius served two years on active duty and attained the rank of Specialist Four. He completed a one-year combat tour in Vietnam as a heavy equipment operator with the Army Corps of Engineers. His final assignment was with Company B, 7th Engineer Battalion, at Fort Carson, Colorado. He was honorably released from active duty on July 10, 1968. His military decorations included the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

Cornelius was baptized at John’s Creek Baptist Church and remained a faithful member. His trust in the Lord was an important part of who he was and how he lived.

An outdoorsman at heart, Cornelius enjoyed hunting and fishing. Among the family’s most treasured memories are camping trips where he enjoyed trout fishing with his grandchildren.

Cornelius also appreciated life’s simple pleasures. He especially loved Linda’s home-cooked meals and enjoyed showing his pocket-knife collections to anyone who came to visit. Some of his happiest times were spent surrounded by his children and grandchildren at large family get-togethers, celebrating the joys of life together.

Cornelius and his beloved wife, Linda Prince Mathis, shared 58 years of marriage. In addition to Linda, he is survived by their three daughters, Kimberly Mathis Pitts (Wayne), Natisha Mathis Andrews (Chad), and Lindsay Mathis Mason (John); seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his sisters, Bonnie Melton, Mary Brown, and Debbie Allison, all of Jackson County; and his brother, Dennis Mathis of Haywood County.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Icelene Brown Mathis; his sister, Blanche Mathis; his brother Leoda Mathis; his beloved niece, Joi Mathis, and her sons Keyshawn and Isiah Cornelius Johnson; and his granddaughter, Amaya Grace Mathis.

Cornelius will be remembered as a generous and loving family man, a faithful servant of the Lord, a hardworking provider, and a true outdoorsman. His humor, capable hands, and steadfast love for his family will be deeply missed.

The family will receive friends from noon until 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Appalachian Funeral Services in Sylva. The funeral service will begin at 1:30 p.m., with his nephew, Ethan Fortner, officiating. Burial will follow at Mathis Cemetery in Little Canada, where military honors will be rendered.