Jerry Lynn Matlock

He was born to Coy and Nellie Matlock on May 20th, 1948, in Clarksville Texas. As a child, he enjoyed walking down the railroad tracks barefoot and dreamed of becoming a Fireman.

His dream was accomplished, as he served the city of Commerce Texas Thirty-One years with the Fire Department where he honorably achieved the rank of Captain. He was awarded Fire Fighter of the Year in 2005 by the Aglaia Culture Club before his retirement in 2006. He once wrote that his proudest career accomplishments were becoming a Fireman and saving People!

Family meant more to him than anything. The word Family did not have limits to him. Anyone in his community was family. And the community knew him as a man who would do anything and give anything to anyone. He was the grandfather who was on the floor playing with his grandchildren or walking around outside with them following. The man who bent down and taught you on your level with love.

Jerry's additional passions and pastimes were the “classics”. Fishing, Hunting, Old cars, black-and-white westerns, and the original radio greats Hank Williams Sr. and Elvis. You could always hear either Hank or Elvis playing on his radio in his 1971 Ford Truck or out in his shop.

He is survived by his lovely wife Joanna Matlock, five children, Mitchell and Dianna Matlock, Robert Matlock, Ronald Matlock, Kathy and Elmer Hall, and Joan and Roger Miller. Eight Grandchildren, and Twelve Great-Grandchildren. Jerry is also survived by his sister, Gladys Goss of Tulia, Texas, and brother Hebert Matlock of Commerce, Texas.

A Memorial Service will be held at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers Arkansas on December 9th, 2023, at 2 pm where you are asked to attend and share your stories.

A second service is being planned for a later date in Texas to be determined.

Donations to be made to the Local Firefighters Foundation and/or Circle of Life Hospice.