REV. SAMUEL RODGER MATHIS,JR.

 Samuel Rodger Mathis. Jr., was bom to the union Samuel Rodger Mathis. Sr., and Roy Lee Hammond on June 16. 1948 in San Antonio, TX His mother later married Kyle F. Arnell, II His parents and oldest son Samuel Sneed preceded him in death.

Samuel attended Cuney Elementary, Douglas Middle School (Del Rio Middle School briefly while his dad was stationed there) and graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1966. He played baseball, football, basketball and was a member of the ROTC. His athletic prowess earned him a collegiate scholarship. He excelled in basketball, baseball and eventually focused on basketball, where he became a recognized player. He prided himself on his 50 point game in the basketball game against Southeastern Louisiana University, and would share this with the grandkids.

Samuel was a lifelong learner who enjoyed doing research and writing papers. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Wiley College, where he pledged with the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He received a Master's Degree in and Guidance and Counseling from UTSA. Subsequently, he earned a second Bachelors, Masters and a Doctorate degree from Guadalupe Theological Seminary in San Antonio. TX. He graduated with top honors.

Samuel accepted Christ at an early age. He joined Second Baptist Church where he was baptized when it was located on Chestnut Street. He accepted his calling to the ministry in 1989 and became a licensed ordained minister while attending Gardendale Community Baptist Church, He was passionate about his ministry and loved sharing the word of God with everyone he met. He often said some of his best sermons were preached at home. He was actively involved in a local prison ministry, and he faithfully served at Dominguez State Jail in San Antonio, TX. He served there for many years while supporting other Prison Ministries. Reverend Mathis officiated many weddings, funerals of family members, friends and also provided premarital counseling.

Reverend Mathis worked at Turbine Support and rose to the ranks of supervisor. After the plant closed, he worked in retail briefly. Upon completion of college, he became a college recruiter at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX, at which time he met his wife, Beverly. He failed in recruiting her as a student, but was successful in recruiting her as a wile. He retired from CPS Energy with 28 years of service in 2008, after which, he devoted himself full time to the ministry.

Samuel was married briefly and to that union Samuel Mathis Sneed was born. He later married Beverly Henry Mathis and to this union Donte Mathis was born.

Samuel had varied interests which included travelling, sporting events, watching old westerns and kung-fu movies, spending time with family, listening to gospel music, studying, teaching and preaching the word of God He was also an avid chess player He knew no strangers He enjoyed talking with people from all walks of life. He had a great sense of humor.

Samuel leaves to cherish his memories, the love of his life. Beverly of 43 years; son Donte(Karen) of Pflugerville. Tx; Stepmother, Lettie Mathis, Fayetteville, NC; brother Kyle F Arnell III (Melissa); sister Rosa Tealer (Dennis); and Stepbrother Dwight Mathis, Piano, Tx; 3 grandsons. Devon Sneed of Seguin, Tx., Adrian and Aaron Mathis of Pflugerville, Tx; 2 granddaughters Leighana Sneed of Seguin, Tx and Ashley Sneed of San Antonio, TX; one great grandson Jeremiah Sneed of Seguin, TX; Goddaughter Malaika Hall of San Antonio, TX. He also leaves to cherish his memories his only surviving Uncle. Earl Glaude of California, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

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