ABC11 last spoke with Mathis in March. He was dealing with heart issues, diabetes, and a number of other ailments. He had been in and out of the hospital for months.
Ann Mathis, his wife, said he died at home early Monday.
Mathis brought Christmas joy to thousands of underprivileged children in the Fayetteville area for decades by refurbishing bicycles and donating them. Family members say Mathis' only pay-back was the children's smiles and hugs.
"You know he lived his life to make sure that children at Christmas always had bikes," said Mathis' brother-in-law, John Davis. "On Christmas, he also tried to do computers, anything he could do to help the kids. That was what he was about. His legacy will be to continue on doing the things he believed in."
A viewing for Mathis will be held Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Hood Memorial AME Zion Church on Rosehill Road in Fayetteville. A memorial service will immediately follow the viewing.
» Click here to view a map of the area «
His funeral will be held on Monday at noon at Cape Fear Conference Headquarters B, in Raeford.
More at: http://www.thebicycleman.com/index.htm
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