Obituary of William Russell Mathis, Jr.

William “Bill” Russell Mathis Jr, resident of Lupton Michigan, lived fully until December 15, 2025. Born on August 6, 1956 in Detroit Michigan, to the late Beverly and William Russell Mathis Senior, and lived to be 69 years old. Bill is preceded in death by his father William Russell Mathis Senior and his mother Beverly Ann Mathis. He is survived by his wife Charlene Louise Mathis, his son, William Russell Mathis III, his sister Diana Swatosh, his nieces and nephews Debra Romalia, David Swatosh, Doug Swatosh and his stepdaughter Michaelene Pjetri.

Throughout his life, Bill could have been described using a myriad of terms. He was a motorcyclist, a softball player, a state level Beach Volleyball player, a shipping and receiving manager and a hardware specialist. Though exceptional at sports and work, he found happiness in the more meaningful roles he filled later in life such as father, husband, Community Member, mentor, coach, confidant and friend. 

Bill spent his youth growing up in Birmingham, Michigan causing trouble while still making his parents proud. Being raised alongside his sister Diana, Bill had no lack of friends or motivation to cause mischief. All that began to change after meeting his future wife Charlene. He then sold the motorcycle for a van and settled down in a house after giving birth to his first and only son William Russell Mathis III. Though he had more responsibility, Bill continued to be involved in playing sports and going camping on the weekends with friends, while at the same time coaching his son's baseball team and taking him to Tae Kwon Do classes. He moved jobs from foundry work, to the vehicle industry, to being a shipping and receiving manager to fit the growing need of his family, even getting a new job working days as his night job did not allow him to spend time with his growing son. He came to every one of his theatre productions, even though theatre wasn’t something he knew a lot about. 

Bill spent the later years of his life up north in Lupton, Michigan to be closer to his wife who moved there to change jobs. He found himself working as a hardware associate at the ACE Hardware in Rose City Michigan. Not only was this a job but it was a place where Bill keyed into his community and was able to bond with the people around him, he became a part of their lives. Bill not only helped people find parts and tools but he met their families, helped them transport materials and got to know them personally. Even after retirement from this job, Bill was still being recognized at every restaurant, store, market and coffee shop from West Branch to Hale. He was held in high regard by people in his community as he proved that he was there to support them. They also have returned that support to him in times of need.

Bill spent his later years traveling with his wife, taking care of his mother in Hale, Michigan and being a constant support and help to his son. He never gave up on supporting those in his community, lending tools, time and labor to anyone who needed it. He enjoyed fixing and remodeling the cottage he called home while being a loving father and present husband. 

Bill’s departure from this world will leave a void in many people’s lives. He created little impacts on all the people around him that will not go unnoticed.

A private engagement will be held at a future date.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.