of Cabot, AR
June 19, 1940 - September 21, 2025
Donald Randolph Mathis of Cabot, AR formerly of Batesville, AR and West Helena, AR born in Marvell, AR on June 19, 1940, to James Mathis and Rosie Lee Wilkerson passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025.
In his lifetime, he achieved a lot of things, but he was most proud of his family. He married Frances Morgan in 1959 and together they raised 3 children: Donnie Mathis (Donna) of Fredericksburg, TX, Patricia Mitchell (Bruce) of Cabot, AR and Teresa Russell (Bruce) of Ward, AR.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers �" James Mathis and Marvin Mathis and 1 sister- Edna Catherine Mathis.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Frances, son Donnie, twin daughters Patricia and Teresa, and their spouses. Also survived are grandchildren Bradley Russell (LaNita) of Vilonia, AR, Mallory Mathis of Little Rock, AR, Brittany Farris (Josh) of Ward, AR, Mac Mathis (Colby) of St. Louis, MO, Rebecca Morter (Phillip) of Rogers, AR, Katherine Mitchell-Davis (Trysten) of Cabot, AR, and Sarah Torchinsky (Daniel) of Little Rock, AR; Great grandchildren Brynna Russell of Vilonia, AR and Lillie Farris of Ward, AR.
Not only was Donald Randolph Mathis a good father, granddaddy, and great granddaddy, he was a man of many talents. During his working years, he was a tire builder at Mohawk Rubber Co in West Helena, AR for 21 years known by the name Mop Top, he was a heavy machine operator in the coal yards at Independence Steam Electric Station in Newark, AR for another 21 years known as Sarge. During this time, he was also an EMT, serving on the responder team at Entergy. And along the way, he was a weekend warrior in the Armed Forces for 40 years, serving in the National Guard and the Army Reserve Special Services. He was very proud of his accomplishment as a ''Green Beret'' and often told stories of his jumps from a perfectly good helicopter or airplane. To many young men, Donald Randolph Mathis served as Coach for Pee Wee Football and baseball during the late 1960's and throughout the 70's. Surrounding the time of the nation's bi-centennial celebration and few years after, Donald Mathis also served as a volunteer for the Phillips County Sherrif's Department. Randy also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and riding motorcycles. Donald Mathis was a Free Mason, being a dual member to Lafayette Masonic Lodge No.189 in Helena, AR (now joined with Masonic Lodge No.198 Forrest City) and Gainsboro Lodge No. 258 in Moorefield, AR receiving his 50-year pin in 2015.
Funeral Services will be Saturday October 4, 2025, at 2:00 pm, visitation at 1:00 pm. Roller-Citizen Funeral Home in West Helena, AR. Internment following service at Sunset Memorial Park in Barton, AR.
Memorials can be made to the Special Forces Association Chapter 49, Old Independence Regional Museum, or Arkansas Alzheimer's Association.
Services will be directed by the staff of Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
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3 Condolence(s)
Kevin Crawford
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
I have a lot of fond memories of Mr. Randolph growing up in West Helena. He coached my pee wee football team, the mighty Giants. I spent a lot of time in the Mathis home during my teen years. Mr. Randolph was always welcoming and pleasant to be around. He always had a good story to tell. He was a devoted family man who loved his wife and children. You will be missed by all who knew and loved you. My condolences to the Mathis family.
Richard Allen Green
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Your Uncle was a great guy-met him when I joined the Special Forces Chapter 49 here in Arkansas and became fast friends. Always a pleasure to talk to him and Francis at our gatherings and I know the last few years his health had declined, but the flame is burning again now that he's in a better place without pain or injury. Take care my friend and when I will see you again, we will pick up where we left off-
Glen Mathis
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Uncle Randolph touched my life in so many ways. He is now able to go fishing with his brothers and father once again. Rest in peace and a job well done, Uncle Randolph.