Irmo, SC, August 16, 2025
News Summary
Samuel Dillard Mathias, owner of the renowned Mathias Sandwich Shop in Irmo, SC, passed away at 74 after a brief illness. He was a dedicated community member and Gamecocks fan, known for his love of family and local engagement. Funeral services are scheduled for August 14 and 15, with contributions encouraged to honor his memory.
Irmo, SC – Samuel Dillard Mathias, affectionately known as “Sammie” or “Sam,” passed away on August 11, 2025, at the age of 74 following a brief illness. Mathias, a well-respected figure in the Irmo community, was the owner and operator of the beloved Mathias Sandwich Shop, which has served residents and visitors in the area for decades.
Born on May 1, 1951, in Columbia, South Carolina, Mathias was the youngest son of David “Jack” and Margaret C. Mathias. He graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1969 and later served in the Air Force Reserves. His dedication to the family business began at a young age, ultimately leading to his ownership of Mathias Sandwich Shop, where he became a beloved figure for his contributions to the local community.
In addition to his role in the sandwich shop, Mathias was known for his unwavering support of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. A proud member of the Gamecock Club, he was a regular at football games, often referring to trips to Tennessee for games as his “vacations.” His passion for sports and community engagement extended into leisure activities such as fishing, boating, and home projects at his residence on Lake Murray, where he cherished time spent relaxing on his back porch with his dogs, Ashley and Bobby Boucher.
Mathias is survived by his wife, Lisa Cook Mathias, with whom he shared 30 years of marriage. He was a father to Heather Mathias Davis, Sharon Ashley Mathias, and Samuel Ryan Mathias, and a stepfather to James “Jimmy” Leslie Hardee. His family continued to grow, as he was a grandfather to six grandsons: Chase Watson Davis, Mattox Christopher Davis, Bradyn “Brady” Pierce Davis, Dylan Michael Upton, Nickolas Avery Hinton, and Jackson Everett Hardee.
Mathias also had two siblings: William “Willie” Covil Mathias and a late sister, Donna Mathias Boland, along with other family members including several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, David James Mathias, Jr., as well as unfortunately, some of his nephews and his son-in-law, Brian Christopher Davis.
Funeral Arrangements
Friends and family are invited to a visitation service on August 14, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel in Irmo. A memorial service will be held the following day, August 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, located at 525 St. Andrews Rd. The service will be officiated by The Reverend Gary Loadholt and The Reverend Amanda Burke. Burial will take place following the memorial service at Bush River Memorial Gardens.
In honor of Samuel Dillard Mathias, contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. His legacy will remain cherished in the hearts of all who knew him and frequented his establishment.
Community Impact and Legacy
Samuel Dillard Mathias touched the lives of many through his business and community involvement. The Mathias Sandwich Shop remains a testament to his dedication to quality and service, and his memory will continue to live on in the community he served so well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Samuel Dillard Mathias?
Samuel Dillard Mathias was a beloved community figure and owner of Mathias Sandwich Shop in Irmo, SC, who passed away at the age of 74.
What were some of Mathias’s interests?
He was an avid fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks and enjoyed leisure activities such as fishing and boating at Lake Murray.
When and where will funeral services be held?
The visitation is scheduled for August 14, 2025, at Dunbar Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service on August 15, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church.
How can people honor Samuel’s memory?
Contributions in his memory can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.
Key Features of Samuel Dillard Mathias
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Samuel Dillard Mathias |
| Date of Birth | May 1, 1951 |
| Date of Passing | August 11, 2025 |
| Age | 74 |
| Community Role | Owner of Mathias Sandwich Shop |
| Family | Wife, children, stepchildren, and grandsons |
| Interests | Sports, fishing, boating, and camping |
| Memorial Contributions | Redeemer Lutheran Church, American Cancer Society |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Samuel Dillard Mathias
- Wikipedia: Sandwich
- Dignity Memorial: Mathias Sandwich Shop
- Google Search: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of South Carolina
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.
