Vernon Matlock

Vernon Ray Matlock of Keota was born Oct. 14, 1940, in Keota to Vernon Morris and Ola Bell (Ingrum) Matlock and passed away Nov. 8, 2016, in Fort Smith, Ark., at the age of 76.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Emma Matlock of the home; two daughters, Barbara (Chicky) Lara and husband Gilbert of Van Buren, Ark., Angela Thompson and husband Brian of Keota; two sons, Jim and wife Sharon of Hackett, Ark., Jerry and wife Sherry of Spiro; three sisters, Martha Morell and husband Doug of Centerville, Ark., Phillis Mooring and husband Doug of Keota, Patricia Barnes and husband Joe of Casa Grande, Ariz.; one brother, Randel Matlock and wife Cathy of Keota; 12 grandchildren, Travis Matlock, September Sanson, Joelle Matlock, Jessica Ivy, Cody Matlock, Crissy Smith, Amanda Babb, Joseph Maden, Jacob Maden, Bradley Thompson, Charles Hamilton and Kevin Hamilton; 21 great-grandchildren, Christopher Smith, Austin Smith, Elaine Fuller, Rebecca Lara, Kathryn Thompson, Logan Thompson, Desiree Maden, Savanah Maden, Abbigail Maden, Isabell Maden, Jacob Maden, Matthew Campbell, Madison Matlock, Jocelyn Sanson, Jayce Matlock, Emily Prater, Mason Ivy, Lawson Ivy, Brycen Hamilton, Cameron Hamilton and Aubrey Hamilton
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ola Matlock Young and father Vernon Matlock; stepfather, James Russell Young; son, Vernon Russell (Rusty) Matlock; brothers, Tommy and Ronnie Matlock; and his grandparents.
Ray worked and retired as a general contractor and maintenance supervisor.
He was a member and deacon of Saving Grace Refuge and an ordained minister. Ray loved the Lord and studied the Bible every day for his Bible study class.
He loved his family, fishing and music. Ray was always an active parent and grandparent involved in his family’s activities and never met a stranger.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Matlock, Travis Matlock, Jerry Matlock, Cody Matlock, Gilbert Lara, Joseph Maden, Jacob Maden, Brian Thompson and Bradley Thompson.
Services were held Nov. 12 at Saving Grace Refuge with Pastor Daniel Rust and Pastor Norman Bland officiating. Burial will follow at Keota Cemetery under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home & Crematory of Stigler.