Irmo, South Carolina, August 16, 2025
News Summary
The Irmo community is in mourning following the death of Samuel ‘Sammie’ Mathias, owner of Mathias Sandwich Shop, who passed away at the age of 74. Known for his generous spirit and dedication to customer service, Mathias transformed his shop into a cherished community hub over his 40-year tenure. His efforts made patrons feel at home, and he is remembered fondly by locals for his warm demeanor and commitment to ensuring every customer felt valued. The legacy of Mathias Sandwich Shop will continue through his son, Ryan, who will take over the family business.
Irmo, South Carolina is mourning the loss of local sandwich shop owner Samuel “Sammie” Mathias, who passed away on August 11, 2025, at the age of 74 following a brief illness. For over 40 years, Mathias was a beloved figure in the community, known for his generous spirit and welcoming demeanor at Mathias Sandwich Shop.
The sandwich shop became not only a dining spot but a cherished community hub under Mathias’ guidance. Many locals share heartfelt memories of their interactions with him, highlighting the warm and inviting atmosphere he cultivated. Patrons frequently described the shop as feeling like home, reflecting Mathias’s dedication to customer service and community connection.
Mathias was known for his hard work, putting in approximately 70 hours a week at the sandwich shop throughout his career. Even in his final months, when his health began to decline, he remained committed to his customers, prioritizing their needs above his own. Support from his staff ensured that the shop continued to serve the community during Mathias’s absence.
Ryan Mathias, Sammie’s son and now the future owner of the sandwich shop, stated that his father had a “heart of gold” and was deeply committed to ensuring every customer felt valued. Customers remembered Sammie as a father figure, recalling how he took the time to listen and engage with them, often remembering specific details from their previous conversations.
Many community members, including local lawyer Jake Moore Jr. and regular customer David Furr, shared fond recollections of fruitful visits to the shop, illustrating the integral role Mathias played in their lives. His ability to genuinely connect with patrons forged relationships that extended beyond simple transactions, making a lasting impression on the community. Furr noted that Mathias’s significant presence would continue to resonate within Irmo.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 1 p.m. Prior to the service, Ryan Mathias plans to visit the sandwich shop one last time around 11:30 a.m. for a farewell to his father and the establishment that served as a cornerstone of their family and community life.
Sammie Mathias is survived by his wife Lisa, daughters Heather and Sharon, son Ryan, step-son Jimmy, and six grandsons. He also leaves behind his brother and beloved pets. Born on May 1, 1951, in Columbia, SC, Mathias graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1969. As an avid fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks, he enjoyed spending time with family at their home on Lake Murray, where he engaged in fishing, boating, and home projects, as well as short camping trips across South Carolina.
The legacy of Mathias Sandwich Shop and its founder will continue to thrive in the hearts of patrons and family members, showcasing the community-oriented spirit that Sammie Mathias dedicated his life to fostering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Sammie Mathias known for?
- Sammie Mathias was the owner of Mathias Sandwich Shop, a beloved establishment in Irmo, South Carolina, known for his generosity, kindness, and commitment to customer service.
- When did Sammie Mathias pass away?
- Sammie Mathias passed away on August 11, 2025.
- What are the plans for Sammie Mathias’s funeral?
- The funeral service for Sammie Mathias is set for Friday, August 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church.
- Who will take over Mathias Sandwich Shop after Sammie Mathias?
- Sammie’s son, Ryan Mathias, will take over as the future owner of Mathias Sandwich Shop.
Legacy of Mathias Sandwich Shop
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Owner | Sammie Mathias |
| Location | Irmo, South Carolina |
| Years in Service | 40+ Years |
| Community Impact | Beloved for kindness, generous spirit, a welcoming atmosphere |
| Future Ownership | Ryan Mathias |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Mourns the Passing of Samuel Dillard Mathias
Irmo Community Launches Greater Irmo Artist Guild
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Samuel Mathias
- Wikipedia: Irmo, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Sammie Mathias
- Google Search: Sammie Mathias
- Cola Daily: David James Mathias Jr.
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Samuel Mathias
- Legacy: David Mathias Obituary
- Google News: Samuel Mathias
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
