Walter Bazil Mathes, Jr.

Walter Bazil Mathes, Jr., of Spartanburg, South Carolina passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 28, 2024. He was born on September 3, 1942, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents Frances Smith Mathes and Walter Bazil Mathes, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Cooke Mathes, and his children; daughter Andrea Mathes Evans (John) of Valparaiso, Indiana, and Robert Bazil Mathes (Emmie) of Charlottesville, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Carter Evans, Annabelle Evans, Olivia Evans, Cooper Evans, Finley Evans, Bazil Mathes, and Elsie Mathes. Bazil grew up in Newell, a small rural community outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. He attended East Mecklenberg High School, and went on to attend Clemson University, graduating in 1964. Mary and Bazil were married in June of 1964, and he began his 34-year career at Bethlehem Steel, moving back and forth between Pennsylvania and Indiana, and eventually starting a family. After leaving Valparaiso, Indiana, Bazil and Mary returned South to Campobello, South Carolina where he spent the next 11 years at Spartanburg Community College as Evening Administrator. Before retiring officially, Bazil and Mary enjoyed spending time between their homes in downtown Spartanburg, and Fripp Island, South Carolina. Bazil enjoyed volunteering at Spartanburg Shares and most recently traveling the world with Mary, spending time with his grandchildren, vacationing, and visiting with friends. Throughout his life, Bazil deeply cherished his time spent with family and friends and had a forever and enduring love for his Clemson Tigers. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 16th at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg, South Carolina. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church CAST, a ministry for homeless families.