AHOSKIE – Thomas Paul Mathias, 92, passed away at his home in Ahoskie, NC on September 8, 2010.

Thomas was born in Corapeake, NC on May 5, 1918 to the late Elizabeth Dale and Paul Eley Mathias.

For 45 years, he owned and operated his own logging business.

He was a member of the Winton Baptist Church where he had served in the past as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for 25 years. He was also very proud to be a Mason for over 60 years. He was Past Master of Lodge American George 17. He was a member of Scottish Rite and the Shriners. In his younger days, he was also a Boy Scout Leader. One of his favorite past times was going to the Outer Banks fishing.

He was a devoted husband to Annie Piland Mathias for 72 years.

He was a proud father to his three daughters. Marie Mathias Benthall, Betty Mathias and Jeanette Mathias, all of Ahoskie.

He was loved greatly by five grandchildren, Patricia Benthall Brown and her husband, Sherwood, of Ahoskie, Darrell Thomas Bracy and his wife, Amy, of Ahoskie, Karen Benthall Daly of Ahoskie, Laura Jeanette Batts and her husband, Mitch, of Ahoskie, and Kevin Thomas Mathias and his wife, Holly, of Ahoskie.

He was cherished by seven great grandchildren, Courtney Brown Simpson and her husband, Henry, of Harrellsville, Emily Renee Bracy of Harrellsville, Hunter Thomas Bracy of Ahoskie, Wyatt Walker Daly and Olivia Grace Daly of Ahoskie, Shelton Mitchell Batts II and Annie Laura Batts of Ahoskie, and Annabell Faith Mathias of Ahoskie.

He was adored by one great great grandchild, William Henry Simpson of Harrellsville.

He is survived by three sisters, Annie Laura Sexton of Gatesville, Juanita Christenson of Winton and Joyce Sexton of Winton. He was preceded in death by a sister, Aldeen Duke.

If you asked him what was his greatest accomplishment in life, he would tell you his family. He loved them in a very special way and he was proud of each of them.

His family is also proud of him and the way he lived his life for 92 years. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at the graveside at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2010  at Highland Memorial Gardens in Ahoskie. The family will receive friends after the graveside service at Winton Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College St. Oxford, NC 27565.

Family and friends may send online condolences and sign the online guestbook by visiting www.garrettjonesfh.com.