Corpus Christi lost one of it’s most recognizable figures on Thursday.
Ronnie “Pointy Boots” Mathis died Thursday, March 19, after a battle with stage four prostate cancer, according to longtime friend and Big Bertha Foundation founder Pete Trevino.
“With profound joy and a heart full of love, my best friend spread his wings today and took flight into eternal bliss,” Trevino said.
For years, Mathis was a familiar sight across the Coastal Bend, often seen riding his bike in his trademark pointy boots, cowboy hat and colorful outfits — bringing smiles to strangers and friends alike.
In an interview with 3NEWS’ Lidia Herrera last May, Mathis spoke openly about his diagnosis and his mindset as he faced it.
“When I started focusing on my behavior, I started becoming a better person,” Mathis said.
Mathis, before serving as community mascot, was in the United States Army and served in Vietnam, according to Trevino. As expected, the veterans chipped in to help Pete raise funds for Ronnie.
“VFW was one of my largest sponsors,” Trevino said. “They help tremendously.”
In June, Trevino told 3NEWS that Ronnie underestimates the impact he’s had on the community and relayed a story of a friend who’d run into Ronnie on a particularly rough day, during which he was contemplating suicide. That man ran into Ronnie, who told him he was loved. The man decided not to kill himself. He later told Trevino that Ronnie saved his life that day.
“He doesn’t realize what he means to the city,” Trevino said. “He doesn’t believe it. Just like Selena, they’re going to continue to know Ronnie as Mr. Corpus Christi. He is everything that Corpus stands for — a representative of every person, culture, and gender. He doesn’t judge. He loves to see people smile.”
“He’s in a better place now… and his code of love and friendship will forever be etched in my heart,” Trevino said.