Willie (III) Mathis

Obituary

Willie Mathis III 72, a resident born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI departed this life on Wednesday, May 26th, 2021.  Willie who went by the name (Billy and Dollar Bill), was born on April 11, 1949, to Willie Jr and Earlene Mathis. Billy attended South High School and received his GED, then attended Grand Valley State University.

Billy worked at Kelvinator Manufacturing and C&O railroad before deciding to pursue a career in Cosmetology where he attended Detroit Barber School. Billy started his barber career at the House of Style, then Wealthy Street Barbershop, San Francisco Suite, Magic Touch Hair & Nail Salon, and other local barbershops in the Grand Rapids area, and continued working as a barber until his passing.

Billy enjoyed watching old western movies, playing the lottery, and watching his favorite NBA basketball team the Los Angeles Lakers. Billy made many people laugh with his humor and his catching saying “Dollar Bill never work never will”

Billy is preceded in death by his mother Earlene Mathis. He is survived by his father Willie Mathis Jr, West Point, MS, four siblings, Khalil (Michelle) Rashid, Barbara Moyer, Janet Mathis, and Kindra Williams; six children, Dennis Denae Mondine, Melanie Carmel Putnam, Tina Lynn Mathis, Derrick Delaney Mathis, Eric Lamar Mondine, and JeDonna Justina Mathis, Thirteen grandchildren; Ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, special friends Michael Timms, Anita Beckley, Graceshawn “Red” Bracey, and many other friends.

A memorial service will be held at BHM Fellowship Hall, 1065 36th Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 June 11th, 2021 at 1pm.

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