Mr. Ronald "Ron" Mathis, 78, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

The Celebration Services for Mr. Mathis will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Scott Olive Baptist Church (1050 Ewing Street - Beaumont, Texas 77701). With Burial Service to follow at Anthony Cemetery in Beaumont, Texas under the direction of Mercy Funeral Home. A public viewing will be held for Mr. Mathis from 12:00 noon until 5:00 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026 at Mercy Funeral Home Chapel and visitation on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at the church, with the practice of social distancing and facial masks required.

Ron's Life Journey

Ronald Mathis was born on July 10, 1948 in Shreveport, Louisiana to the late David Mathis, Sr. and Luella Porter Mathis. He was a twin to Donald Mathis and he and his family grew up near Jefferson and attended Smithland Elementary School there. He later attended Central High School in Jefferson Texas where he graduated in 1966 before moving to Houston, where he landed his first job at Furniture Manufacturers.

Ron had a continuous thirst for the Word of God and sought enlightenment constantly; and as a result of his commitment to Christ he served those that he worshipped with as Deacon.

Ronald grew up with a love for radio. After moving to Houston, he pursued a career in radio. Though no opportunities in radio in Houston became available, he did land a job in Galveston, Texas in 1972 at KGBC Radio. In 1976, he moved to Beaumont, Texas to accept a position at KJET under the late Lloyd Jones, Sr. He remained there until 1978, when he assumed another position at KALO 95. Later that year, he left the station to open Ron's Records and Tapes in Beaumont, Texas; at the same time, he assumed a position at KALO 1250 in Port Arthur, Texas. This was the break he had been waiting for; his passion for radio led him to be Vice President and General Manager, for Clear Channel Communications, making him the first African-American to hold that position.

During this time, He also met the Love of his life, Mrs. Jerrie Martin-Allen. They were married for twenty-seven. She preceded him in death in December 2019.

Additionally, he served as the Precinct 2 Chair of the local Beaumont Democratic Party.

Also, Preceding him in death Siblings: David Mathis Jr., Donald Mathis, Francis Williams, Mary Ruth Tyler, Amelia Jones, Margie Chism, Virgie Andrews, Mable Douglas, A special cousin Eloise Mathis-Hawthorne, Bonus-son, Roosevelt Allen, Jr.

Ron's love and memories will remain in the hearts of his sister Velma Cowling; bonus-sons: Dr. Reginald W. Allen, Sr. (Ofreda), and Reverend Byron G. Allen (Gloria); Sister-in-law Geraldine Hunt; Brother-in-law Jerome Martin (Barbara); Godson, Geffeory Jenkins and a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.