May 1, 1951 – August 11, 2025
IN THE CARE OF
Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel
Samuel Dillard Mathias “Sammie/Sam”, 74 of Chapin, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025 after a brief illness. Born May 1, 1951 in Columbia, SC, he was the youngest son of the late David “Jack” and Margaret C. Mathias.
Sam graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1969 and joined the Air Force Reserves. He grew up in the family business and became owner and operator of Mathias Sandwich Shop.
He worked everyday to provide for his family and for the people of his community. He took great pride in serving the Town of Irmo and surrounding areas in Columbia, SC.
Aside from his family and his work, Sam was an avid fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks and a member of the Gamecock Club. He loved to attend games and considered football games in Tennessee to be his “vacations”. He found comfort just being at his home on Lake Murray. He loved fishing, boating, home projects and relaxing on his back porch with his puppies. He loved short camping trips around the state and was a member of a local camping club.
Sam is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lisa Cook Mathias, his daughters, Heather Mathias Davis and Sharon Ashley Mathias, son Samuel Ryan Mathias (Meagan) and step-son James “Jimmy” Leslie Hardee (Marlena); six grandsons: Chase Watson Davis, Mattox Christopher Davis, Bradyn “Brady” Pierce Davis, Dylan Michael Upton, Nickolas Avery Hinton and Jackson Everett Hardee, his brother William “Willie” Covil Mathias (Bonnie), several nieces and nephews and his beloved puppies, Ashley and Bobby Boucher (Boo-shay). He was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Mathias Boland, his brother, David James Mathias, Jr., nephews, William Christopher Herron-Stowell, Jack Mathias Herron and David James Mathias, III and his son-in-law, Brian Christopher Davis.
Visitation will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel in Irmo on Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. The memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church (525 St. Andrews Rd.) on Friday, August 15, 2025. The Reverend Gary Loadholt and the Reverend Amanda Burke will officiate. Burial at Bush River Memorial Gardens will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in his memory, to Redeemer Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.
