Russell Clay Mathis

Russell Clay Mathis, better known as Rusty, was born on February 19, 1955, in New Orleans, Louisiana and went home to his Savior on January 20, 2022, at the age of 66 years. He was adopted by Henry and Lucille Mathis at three months and was always proud that his parents chose and loved him. Rusty was married to his only sunshine, Rosemary Castillo Mathis, for 44 years.

Rusty entered the world of insurance at the wee young age of six, helping his dad at the family business. Many years later, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management from Lamar University and dedicated his professional career to improving the world with his insurance expertise as a commercial sales producer. Rusty loved Boy Scouts, camping, gardening, serving his church and those he loved, laughing, singing, and making breakfast for his family. He treasured being Pappy to Cohen and Brody and teaching them many life skills, including how to eat deer meat and playing in the garden. One of his most significant experiences was discovering his birth family and expanding the circle of his loved ones. He will be remembered for his abundant love, comforting hugs, gentle spirit, unending patience, numerous naps, carefree silliness, heirloom tomatoes, and unwavering faith. Whoever crossed his path knew that they were loved, and we who knew him are better because of it.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lucille and Henry Clay Mathis.

He leaves behind his children, Marjorie Grace Mathis, Allen Clay Mathis and wife Amy, and Emily Anne Ibrahim and husband Ayman; grandchildren, Cohen Clay Mathis and Brody Allen Mathis; sister, Carra Jo Alston and husband Phillip; niece, Caraline Alston; and countless other “adopted” children who call him “Daddy.”

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, at Claybar Kelley Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 25, at First Baptist Church in Beaumont. Officiating will be Dr. Chris Moody. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery in Beaumont.