Jesse Frank Mathis

  Mr. Jesse Frank Mathis, 70, of Woodbury passed away on June 30, 2014. He was born April 9, 1944 in the Short Mountain Community of Cannon County. His parents were the late Robert Ernest Mathis and Octa Mears Mathis. Also preceding him in death were a brother, Bobby Mathis and two sisters, Sally Ann Affholter and Glendola Mathis. Mr. Mathis is survived by his wife and companion of over 30 years, Juanita Young Mathis of Woodbury, son, Frank (Angie) Alexander of Milton, step-son, Wayne Merritt of Murfreesboro, step-daughters, Brenda (Robin) Clark of Arizona, Darlene Merritt of Murfreesboro, four brothers, Jimmy (Dianne) Mathis of Murfreesboro, Elvis Mathis of Manchester, Mylan Mathis of Murfreesboro and Paul (Angie) Mathis of Smyrna , a sister, Rachel (Bobby) Reed of Smyrna, two grandchildren, Paige Alexander and Lucas Alexander both of Milton, great granddaughter, Ariel Alexander, special niece and great niece, Rachel Affholter and Jasmine Tenpenny both of Woodbury. Mr. Mathis had a great love for cars from an early age he worked on them and spent time tearing them apart and rebuilding them. His love of cars lead him to work and manage the old Broad and Mercury Service Station in Murfreesboro. He later opened his own service station in Smyrna, Jesse’s Gulf. Jesse also ran the Hollow Springs Market in Cannon County for several years. He enjoyed bush hogging and working on his farm raising everything from goats and miniature ponies to cows and hogs. He became easily attached to his animals and couldn’t bring himself to eat one of them. Jesse was always a cut up and liked to pick on family and friends in a good natured way. He attended the Auburn Hills Church of Christ. Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 from 3-8 PM. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 2 PM in the Smith Funeral Home chapel. Demetrius Nelson and David Taylor will officiate. Interment will be in Cherry Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to the Cherry Cemetery Trust Fund or American Heart Association. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, (615)563-5337