Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Garfield Mathis, Jr (Bobby) was born to the late Garfield Mathis, Sr. and Gertha Lou Murphy Mathis in Magnolia, North Carolina. They reared their children in a Christian home filled with an abundance of love. Bobby was the second eldest of ten children. Theodore, Inez, Eddie, Carnell, and Jean preceded him in death.  In his formative years he was a member of St. James AME Zion Church.  In his latter years, he joined Holy Family Catholic Church in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland where he often volunteered.

Bobby graduated from Magnolia Industrial High School in Duplin County, North Carolina.  Following high school, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served an overseas tour in Frankfurt, Germany. After completing his time in the armed forces he relocated to Washington, D.C. where he pursued further educational opportunities that included a certification in master barbering. In 1959 Bobby met and later married the love of his life Joyce Fuller. The Lord blessed them with two daughters. Bobby’s heart was completely shattered upon the passing of his beloved wife Joyce. Despite his grief he forged ahead and was determined to raise his daughters to the best of his ability which he did successfully always making them his priority.

He worked for the U.S. Department of Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing for 37 years.  Bobby was an active member and the treasurer of his retirement club. After retirement Bobby continued his business ventures in the real estate industry. With his brother Robert Playto by his side, he owned and developed commercial and residential properties in Washington DC, Maryland, and North Carolina. 

Bobby was a kind-hearted, soft spoken man who always had a ready smile.  He was the patriarch of his family who always put family first.  He was a loving, devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.  He was the ROCK - the one that everyone came to and leaned on.  His generosity was legendary. His greatest fault was his inability in so many ways to say “no”.

We are grateful and thankful to God for blessing us with Bobby for so many beautiful years.   

He is survived by his two daughters: LaDonna (Kevin) Perkins, Washington, D.C. and Tawanna Freeman, Brandywine, Maryland five grandchildren Marcus, Ellis, Taylor, Elissa, and Jessica, two great grandchildren, Jayce and Kaysen. Two brothers Robert Playto, Suitland, Maryland, Jarvis Charles, Magnolia, North Carolina, two sisters Estell (Stella) Lloyd, Washington, D.C., and Gertrude (James) Jarman, Jacksonville, North Carolina, and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends.


Garfield Mathis

Garfield Mathis

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