Hundreds say goodbye to Fayetteville's 'Bicycle Man'
Family and friends said their final goodbyes Monday afternoon to Moses Mathis, Fayetteville's "Bicycle Man," who spent more than two decades of his life giving back to the community.
Posted — UpdatedHundreds of people gathered in Raeford to remember Moses Mathis, affectionately known and recognized for his 22 years of restoring bicycles to give away to needy children at Christmas time.
Described as a "gentle giant," Mathis died in his sleep last Monday after a long illness.
"It brought joy to him, I think, even more so than to the kids," Rev. Fredrick Henley, of Hood Memorial AME Zion Church, said during Monday's service. "One of his sayings was, 'It's all about the kids. It's all about the kids.'"
Those remembering him Monday say he has left a lasting legacy on the community and that the spirit of his work will live on.
"We intend to keep that going, because that's what's needed here," Mathis' friend, Phil White, said. "That's what young people need."
A Navy veteran, Mathis was buried at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake.
He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Ann Mathis, a son, a daughter and six grandchildren.
"He was a very powerful man, a very strong-looking man, but he was good at heart," White said. "His heart was very good."
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
