Troy Neal Matlock

Troy Neal Matlock of Gilmer, Texas, went to be with his Lord on October 7, 2010. Troy was a longtime barber and hair stylist who owned his own shops in both Kilgore and Longview, from 1945 until he retired in 1997. Troy was born in Avery, Texas, April 9, 1918, to Epsy Baird Matlock and William Matlock. Troy grew up in SE Oklahoma as one of seven children. He was a member of the CCC during the Depression and later joined the U.S. Army, based in Texas and Colorado during World War II. He met and married Evonne Martin in 1944 and remained married until her death in 1971. Their son, Terry, became and continues as an ordained minister. Terry is married to Lois. They provided Troy with three grandchildren, Cheri (David) Boyd, Pam (Daniel) McCune and Chris; and six great-grandchildren, Christian, Jessica and Allie Boyd, Hannah and Lily McCune and Isaiah Matlock. Troy had numerous nephews and nieces who remain in the SE Oklahoma area. Troy later met and married Margie Brawley Saxon in 1980 and remained married to her until his death. Margie brought Troy two more children, Nancy (Don) Walters and David (Susan) Saxon; five grandchildren, Kim (Scott) Saunders, Paige (Bryan) White, Elizabeth (Derrick) Rogers, Richard (Kristy) Saxon and Brad Saxon; and nine great-grandchildren, Sam and Hannah Saunders, Morgan, Graham and Jaci White, Rachel and Faith Rogers, Emma and Tea Saxon. Troy was a cattleman and horseman during most of his life. He and Margie enjoyed living in Gilmer and continued raising cattle with the help of their doggie boys Barney, Blackie and BJ. Troy served as a Lay Minister, and also served as Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon for many years in the Assembly of God churches in Gladewater and Kilgore. Visitation will be at CroleyFuneral Home in Gladewater, Sunday, October 10, 2010, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be at the Gladewater Assembly of God on Monday, October 11, 2010, at 10 a.m., with interment in Sunset Cemetery in Gilmer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House in Longview or to the local animal shelter. Our special thanks to Dr. Couch, Dr. Laura Welch and the outstanding staff of Margaret's House.