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 and 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 Forces. 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 Sherriff'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.
Serving as pallbearers will be Glen Mathis, Mike Mathis, Derward Mauldin, Glen Edom, Norman Rowan and Richard Phillips.
Honorary pallbearers will be Members of the Special Forces Association, Chapter 49.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm, visitation at 1:00 pm at Roller-Citizen Funeral Home in West Helena, AR. Interment following service at Sunset Memorial Park in Barton, AR. Pastor James Chris Morgan will officiate.
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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18 Condolence(s)
Linda Baker Colvin
Sunday, October 12, 2025
I met Randolph oh so many years ago! He was one of the nicest men that I ever met! He always seemed so larger than life to me, although he was only a year older! My heart felt condolences to Frances and the family! Rest in peace Randy!
Lenora Mobley
Friday, October 3, 2025
Francis, Teresa, and Family-
Many thoughts of lovely times past. He was one of the good ones! Lenora,(Zack)🇺🇸
Steven Jones
Thursday, October 2, 2025
He was my pee wee football coach for 2 years. Go Giants. We would practice at Beech Creast school. He had us run laps around the playground, he would stand in the middle in his green field jacket, smoking and holler Run, don't slow down ,Run. Good times. Heard about his legendary tales when I worked at ises, the old timers would tell stories about him. May he RIP. Prayers for the family.
Richard "Bo" and Jill Leslie
Monday, September 29, 2025
Jill and I offer our condolences.
May the love of your father continue to guide and comfort you.
David Batson
Sunday, September 28, 2025
He always had a joke to tell. He made some long work days a little brighter. Prayers to all the family.
Harold Nix
Saturday, September 27, 2025
worked around Donald out at power plant. He was a fun and straightforward guy that everone liked. I have missed him since retirement ..RIP Sarge
Karen King
Saturday, September 27, 2025
My most vivid memory of Uncle Randolph is his big smile and his laughter. It still resonates in my mind. He made this world a better place in which to live.
Johnny & Ann Martin
Saturday, September 27, 2025
We met Randy and his family some 30 years ago when we first moved to Arkansas and John joined Special Forces Association Chapter 49. We won't be able to make the drive across the state for the visitation and funeral services. We have a lot of fond memories of fellowship and good times and send or condolences to the Mathis family.
Judie rose akin
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Great memories are flowing from my heart! Have Known Randolph since we were Growing up!! Yes Knowing Frances & sure remember That we were in UPC many occasions!! Sending my Condolences and a heart felt sympathy to all his family & who knew Him . He always had a special smile ! Blessings always my friends !!
Stella, Dathan, Jaelyn and Jason
Friday, September 26, 2025
Forever in our hearts. You will be missed but not forgotten.
Bud and Priscilla Screst
Friday, September 26, 2025
Great memories were made in our times with Randolph and Francis. We have not seen each other in a while, but friends and family feeling love abounds. Our hearts and prayers are with you during this time.
randall gawf
Thursday, September 25, 2025
worked with sarge at ises for 21 years
Kenneth Lewis
Thursday, September 25, 2025
He was a dear friend of mine . We were together in the Army Special Forces . He was a good soldier and a great guy . I always loved talking with him . He was the best .
Don Free
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
I worked with Sarge at ISES.we had a lot of fun with him.always had a joke ready.He was proud of his family and his military service.
George Gates
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
So sorry for the loss. Godspeed!
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.