John Thomas "JT" Mathis, Jr., PharmD, 69, of Columbia, SC died on the morning of December 5, 2024. Born in Edgefield, SC, JT was the son of John Thomas Mathis, Sr., and Ellie Peeler Mathis. He was a devoted and beloved husband, father, and father-in-law. A graduate of the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, JT was a proud Gamecock. He worked in the pharmaceutical business for over 44 years. After retiring from Pfizer as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL), he worked as a consultant for several other pharmaceutical companies to help develop their MSL divisions. Most recently, he proudly worked as the RPh Regional Medical Affairs Director at Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. JT truly loved and enjoyed his profession and the people he worked alongside.

The family says what they will cherish the most about JT was his infectious laugh, humble and kind nature, and his work ethic at everything he undertook in life. He loved his country. He was a reliable, giving, and forgiving man, often giving people the benefit of the doubt multiple times and could be counted on to help people when they were down on their luck. JT enjoyed simple pleasures like being outdoors in nature with his family, working the land, being around animals, and Motown music.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Teresea A. Mathis; sons, Dr. Andrew ("Drew") Mathis, Maj, USAF and Harrison Reese Mathis, Lt, USN (Kylie); sisters, Hazel Kitchens (Everette) and Mozelle Padgett (Robert "Bob"); nephews, Bernard Kitchens (Susan) and Rob Padgett (Lisa). In addition to his parents, JT was preceded by his nephew, Scott Kitchens.

For those who loved him, the family welcomes you to a celebration of JT's life at Forest Lake Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 2 o'clock. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parlor.

For those unable to attend, his service will be live streamed at www.flpc.org .

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, 6500 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206, the American Heart Association at heart.org, or the American Red Cross at redcross.org to "Services to the Armed Forces".

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.