Dr. Roswell Earl Mathis, Jr.
(August 7, 1937 - April 1, 2011)

Dr. Roswell Earl Mathis, Jr., 73, of Miami, FL, died on April 1, 2011. He passed peacefully with his family by his side after a long illness.

He was born August 7, 1937 in Jacksonville, FL, to Roswell Earl and Maude Burkhalter Mathis, the eldest of three children. He grew up in several communities in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina and graduated from College Park High School in Atlanta, GA. He continued his education at Emory University in Atlanta, earning a Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 1963 and was an active member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and lettered in Track and Field.

Ros married Virginia Caroline Thomas of Asheville, NC, in 1963. He served as a Captain in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1965, stationed in Montgomery, AL. After his honorable discharge, he moved to South Florida where he raised his family and had a successful and respected dental practice in Coral Gables for more than 40 years. Dr. Mathis cared deeply about his patients.

He is survived by his beloved wife Caroline; children, Roswell “Rock” E. Mathis, III, PhD, Allyson Mathis, Jennifer Parks, and Dr. Kimberly Mathis; grandchildren, Emily, Rocky, and Aubrey; and siblings, Paul Mathis and Barbara Perez.

He was very proud of his children, all accomplished in their lives and careers, cherished his grandchildren, and enjoyed sharing stories with friends.

The Funeral Service was held on April 5, 2011, at Stanfill Funeral Home in Miami, Florida. Dr. Mathis was interred in Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, Jacksonville, FL.

Contributions in his memory may be sent to the Extra Point Club, Rice University Athletics. c/o Rice University, Office of Athletic Development – MS 548, PO Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251-1892.