Russell Clay Mathis

1955 ∼ 2022

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Russell Clay Mathis, better known as Rusty, was born on February 19, 1955, in New Orleans, Louisiana and went home to his Savior on January 20, 2022, at the age of 66 years. He was adopted by Henry and Lucille Mathis at three months and was always proud that his parents chose and loved him. Rusty was married to his only sunshine, Rosemary Castillo Mathis, for 44 years.

Rusty entered the world of insurance at the wee young age of six, helping his dad at the family business. Many years later, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management from Lamar University and dedicated his professional career to improving the world with his insurance expertise as a commercial sales producer. Rusty loved Boy Scouts, camping, gardening, serving his church and those he loved, laughing, singing, and making breakfast for his family. He treasured being Pappy to Cohen and Brody and teaching them many life skills, including how to eat deer meat and playing in the garden. One of his most significant experiences was discovering his birth family and expanding the circle of his loved ones. He will be remembered for his abundant love, comforting hugs, gentle spirit, unending patience, numerous naps, carefree silliness, heirloom tomatoes, and unwavering faith. Whoever crossed his path knew that they were loved, and we who knew him are better because of it.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lucille and Henry Clay Mathis.

He leaves behind his children, Marjorie Grace Mathis, Allen Clay Mathis and wife Amy, and Emily Anne Ibrahim and husband Ayman; grandchildren, Cohen Clay Mathis and Brody Allen Mathis; sister, Carra Jo Alston and husband Phillip; niece, Caraline Alston; and countless other “adopted” children who call him “Daddy.”

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, at Claybar Kelley Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 25, at First Baptist Church in Beaumont. Officiating will be Dr. Chris Moody. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery in Beaumont.

Condolences

Todd Rogers January 25, 2022

Intimidating in size, it contradicted the fact that Rusty was one of the kindest men I knew. A few years ago, I was in need of an obscure tool. “Ah ha! This is right up Rusty’s alley.” I thought. Of all my neighbors, Rusty would be the only person to have this particular tool, and when I asked him, he said “Yes, I used to own that tool, but I donated it to the Scouts.” My face scrunched up at my misfortune; Rusty’s ‘kindness’ had foiled my plans. But Rusty saw my expression and kept talking, explaining how I could create my own tool to do the same job; he was a true Scout. I recently asked Rusty to help me with a computer game I was playing and he enthusiastically agreed. While we were waiting for Rusty’s computer to set up his part of the game, music started drifting from the kitchen, and I recognized it from its first iconic notes - it was my favorite album of all-time. I told Rusty about the 1959 album then Rusty told me about how his daughter had been first chair trumpet; being a former band geek, I knew what an accomplishment that was. He got me up to date on his two other kids, then we got back to the game. He based his character on an uncle from Mississippi, using the Native American names of the local rivers for several locations in the game. His character was ”Brother Bear.” I noted how, even during the game, Rusty was thinking about, and including his family. From my view, family was everything for Rusty. And of course, we can’t forget about his garden. Lori and I benefitted from Rusty’s enormous green thumb. From Antique tomatoes to the latest crop of Italian cucumbers, Rusty shared what he could from his small garden. While there will be a large physical presence missing where Rusty once stood, there will be an even larger and happier memory of him that I will always cherish. Todd Rogers

Hearn Scout Shop January 24, 2022

Hearn Scout Shop purchased the Medium Dish Garden for the family of Russell Clay Mathis.

Jim, Jo, Jenny, Jessy & Tyler January 23, 2022

Jim, Jo, Jenny, Jessy & Tyler planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Russell Clay Mathis.

James Callas January 23, 2022

I first met Rusty up at Camp Urland, Summer Camp 1964. I was on the staff and he was a young camper. Later he came over to Troop 13 where my cousin Doc Baine was the Scoutmaster. He stayed and advanced to Eagle. Scouting was in his blood. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow as an Ordeal Member, soon he earned his Brotherhood membership and in November of 2004 he was selected to be a Vigil Member of the Order. A Vigil Honor member was given the name Nimat Machque which means "Brother Bear". When his beloved Scoutmaster retired Rusty was ready to lead and take charge, with a short leadership change Rusty become Scoutmaster of Troop "Lucky" 213 and Sam Debes was his main assistant. The Troop grew and prospered under his leadership many scouts earned the Eagle Rank under his guidance. He was the one that originated and start the first Mountain Man program up at Winter Camp. He asked to assist and I did. Howard Maxwell and Jonathan Bradley were there and I believe it was a success. I will miss Rusty for his good nature and love of Scouting and all of the positive aspects of the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto, and the Scout Slogan. “May the Great Scoutmaster of all Scouts be with us until we meet again.” “Be with us until we meet again.”(all bring their right hands to their hearts, and bow their heads.) I hope to see you on the other, sir. Bucky

Charles Crim January 23, 2022

Rusty was the absolute billboard picture for a scout master(they should have used it), but more than that he embodied the character of scouting and the Christian faith. Charles Crim

Anonymous January 23, 2022

Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Russell Clay Mathis.

Anonymous January 23, 2022

Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Russell Clay Mathis.

Claybar Funeral Home January 23, 2022

154 files added to the album LifeTributes

Anonymous January 22, 2022

Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Russell Clay Mathis.

C Keith Hawkes January 22, 2022

A true man of God, that I’ve had the honor of knowing for almost 60 years. He never wavered from his faith. Rest in Peace, my friend. C Keith Hawkes

Todd And Lori Rogers January 22, 2022

Todd and Lori Rogers purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Russell Clay Mathis.

Sue & Jerry Lyons, Wally & Terri Mathews January 22, 2022

Sue & Jerry Lyons, Wally & Terri Mathews purchased the A New Sunrise Spray for the family of Russell Clay Mathis.

event Visitation

location_on Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home, 1155 North 11th Street, Beaumont, 77702

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schedule Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

event Funeral Service

location_on First Baptist Church, Beaumont

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schedule Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 10:00 AM

Russell Clay Mathis

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