Friends, family and loved ones gathered Wednesday evening to honor the life of Ronnie “Pointy Boots” Mathis, one of Corpus Christi’s most recognizable figures, during a visitation on the city’s Southside.
The visitation was held at Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Home along Yorktown Boulevard, where those who knew him came together to share stories and remember a man known for his signature style, humor and kindness.
Mathis died 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.
Inside the funeral home Wednesday, loved ones reflected on the impact Mathis had on their lives.
Maxie Dennis, Mathis’ niece, said she will remember her uncle for his humor and personality.
“He always loved to barbecue,” Dennis said. “He told me to try this chicken — and it wasn’t chicken. It was tongue. I was mad at him for a very long time for tricking me.”
She said beyond the jokes, people continue to describe Mathis as someone who was always authentic.
“He was just himself all the time,” Dennis said. “He didn’t try to be anybody else. He was always Uncle Ronnie.”
Trevino, who spent significant time with Mathis in the final year of his life, said their daily routine often included sharing meals at local restaurants, where he would listen as Mathis told stories about his life.
“It was like a grandson listening to his grandfather,” Trevino said. “Sometimes I’d be laughing, sometimes I’d be in tears.”
He said those conversations revealed the depth of Mathis’ experiences — from his time serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War to his personal struggles and growth.
Trevino said Mathis’ impact often came through simple, personal interactions.
He recalled a story shared with him about a man struggling with addiction who said a brief conversation with Mathis changed his life.
“He said it was so impactful that he just stopped — cold turkey,” Trevino said. “Ronnie told him he was somebody, that someone loved him — that he loved him. That stuck with him.”
He described Mathis as someone who represented the spirit of Corpus Christi.
“When you think about Corpus, yes, you think about Selena — but you also think about Mr. Ronnie.,” Trevino said.
Despite becoming a local icon, Trevino said Mathis never viewed himself that way.
“You couldn’t tell Ronnie he was a celebrity,” he said. “He would say he was just a regular guy.”
Dennis said her uncle’s message moving forward is simple.
“Be your own person,” she said. “Not a copycat.”
His funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at Calvary First Baptist Church, followed by burial at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.
A fundraiser benefiting Mathis’ family is scheduled for April 3 at House of Rock, with proceeds going directly to support his loved ones.
“He’s in a better place now,” Trevino said, “and his code of love and friendship will forever be etched in my heart.”