On May 30, 2023, the lives of Kelly and Carla Mathis were changed forever. They received the news that their sweet, amazing, kind, and loving son Connor passed away tragically at the very young age of 16. After this tragic loss, Kelly and Carla Mathis founded “Connor Smiles Foundation” with the initial donations they received after Connor’s passing. The mission of the foundation is to continue the life and legacy of Connor Mathis by promoting faith, love, and support to those in need throughout the Golden Isles and beyond.  

Since its inception, Connor Smiles has been able to award four scholarships totaling $18,000 to Glynn County students, donate school supplies to the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office for students in Glynn County, donate to food drives, assist students with academic assistance, donate to Night to Shine prom for individuals with special needs, provided a meal for the City of Brunswick Police Department’s community connections, supported local parks and recreation departments, support local teachers by purchasing items from their classroom wish lists, and provide over 200 bags of non-perishable food items to people in need in Glynn County. 

Connor always wore a smile and was kind to everyone he met. The Mathis family hopes to continue to honor Connor’s memory by turning their pain into purpose and giving back to their community that so graciously supported them during their time of need.