Earnest Ronald “Pervy” Mathes, age 62, a resident Oliver Springs, passed away Friday, Feb. 22, at his home.
Mr. Mathes was born March 17, 1950, in Oak Ridge. He was a lifelong resident of this area.
He was a master plumber and before his disability he was employed as the water treatment plant operator for the city of Oak Ridge.
Earnest served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. While serving, he received several medals, decorations, badges, and ribbons.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper David Mathes and Bessie Mary Mae Vann Mathes, and by a sister, Sherry Anderson.
Earnest is survived by a daughter, Traci Mathes of Florida; by sons, Steven and Farrell Mathes of Oak Ridge; by a step-son, James Raines and wife Sabrina of Maryville; by a brother, David Mathes and wife Gail of Knoxville; and by sisters, Carolyn Justice and husband David Jones of Oliver Springs, and by Josephine Reba of Clinton.
He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, a host of special friends, and extended family, including Kim Harness, Eddie Harness, Sam Holsinger, Ralph Pemberton, and Marion West.
The family will receive friends Monday, Feb. 25, between 6 and 8 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home. Burial and graveside services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 1:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville, with full military honors. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Sharp Funeral Home for funeral expenses.
Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com.
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