Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

He was my Great Grandfather on my Dad's mothers side of the Mathis family.....killed by a colored man hiding behind a large tree while William was tracking him and shot off his horse in the back........had enough left to get up and kill the other man...... William for some reason got ahead of the posy all on horse back and the posy heard the shooting and arrived minutes later to find both dead 10 feet apart from each other..... Left 9 children with out a father in 1901 and all kids were raised by other families after his wife died of heart failure in 1903..... I would do anything to have his badge.... This story was passed down to me from my father....

Don Welch
My Great grandfather

March 18, 2024

Sheriff Mathis,
On today, the 120th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Lafayette County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 25, 2021

Rest in peace Sheriff Mathis.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 25, 2019

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 27, 2016

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 27, 2016

Sheriff Mathis was the Grandfather of my Grandmother Linnie Myrtice Mathis Begue. She is alive and well in Baker County. She is currently 94 years old. My father and brother are named after him. The family oral history of his murder is told that he was on horseback hunting for the suspect deep in the forrest when he was ambushed by the thief from behind a tree. He returned fire still mounted and died the next day. I am proud to know his courage runs in our family. God bless all officers upholding the law of our great country.

Jonathan Begue
Great great grandson

February 6, 2016

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are a hero.. Continue to rest in peace Sheriff Mathis.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

February 25, 2013

HEROES live forever and you sir are a hero... May you continue to rest in peace Sheriff Mathis.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

February 25, 2012

Thanks for your 13 years of services, Will.

David

February 25, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sheriff Mathis. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 14, 2012

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are one of them... Continue to rest in peace.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

February 25, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 108th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

February 25, 2009

Rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

February 25, 2009

Sheriff Mathis,
It has taken over 107 years, but you are finally being honored. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Lafayette County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

July 14, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

July 12, 2008

Sheriff Mathis,

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.. You are a HERO and will never be forgotten... Rest in Peace Sir...

Joyce
Sister of Ofc. John P Harris EOW 8/19/1994 Henrico PD Virginia

July 10, 2008

Sheriff Mathis thank you for your service. you are not forgotten.

Trooper
Florida Highway Patrol

July 5, 2008

Sheriff Mathis thank you for your dedicated service to our state. While your death was long ago, it was and is not forgotten. Rest in peace Sheriff Mathis, we'll take the watch now.

Deputy Michael Traylor
Brevard County Sheriff's Office, FL

July 3, 2008