John A. Mathis, age 93 of Knoxville, passed away at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center on January 11, 2026. He was born in Dayton on October 5, 1932, the son of the late Pearl and Beatrice (Silvers) Mathis. He is also preceded in death by his son, Alan Mathis.

John was born and raised in Dayton before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1958. During his military career, he also served with the U.S. Secret Service and the CIA. Upon his retirement as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1975, he settled in Knoxville. John was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret (Sloggie) Mathis of Knoxville; his sons, Joseph Mathis of Knoxville and Jeffery (Lana) Mathis of Harriman; and his grandsons, Joseph Mathis and Ian Mathis, both of Lenoir City.

A graveside funeral service with full military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force will be held at Pine Crest Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his mother, at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, with Rev. Mark Hickman officiating.

Please share your memories and photos of John on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.

The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, Tennessee.