James Troy Matlock

July 19, 1957 - April 25, 2021

James Troy Matlock was born to Lloyd and Nellie Matlock on July 19, 1957. James went on to join the Lord on Sunday, April 25, 2021. James Troy married the love of his life, Donna, on February 6, 1976 in Welling, Oklahoma at Etta Baptist Church. They had two children James Troy Matlock II and Manda Mae Taylor. James and Donna’s marriage was sweet and strong. He was an amazing, selfless husband and a great father. He is survived by his wife Donna Matlock of the home, parents Lloyd and Nellie Matlock of Welling, son James Troy Matlock and wife Kristi Matlock of Tahlequah, and daughter Manda Taylor of Tahlequah. He left a legacy of grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by grandchildren Dakota Matlock and wife Becca Matlock of Locust Grove, Kelli Matlock of Fort Gibson, Matthew Lucht of Fort Gibson, Haley Mullins and husband Ray Mullins of Park Hill, Gracie Trapp of Tahlequah, Jamie Matlock of Tahlequah, Kilea Lucht of Tahlequah, and two great grandkids Mia and Bentley Mullins. He is survived by his brother Earl Matlock and wife Joyce Matlock of Park Hill, sister Brenda Airehart and husband Robbie of Welling, brother Randy Matlock and wife Tammy of Welling, and brother Jimmy Joe Matlock of Welling. James worked at Greenleaf Nursery for over 30 years, from there he went to Tahlequah Street Department and then finished his career at Country Barn District 3 where he was a road grader operator. He would get several compliments from his neighbors on how great the roads were. His work ethic was inspiring to all. In 2015 he gave his heart to the Lord at Keys Church of God and was also baptized there. He loved the Lord and read his Bible everyday. He pushed everyone around him to love more with his gentle and quiet spirit. He loved to fish and hunt, and would often spend his Saturdays shooting guns at the American Legion. He played a huge role in his grandchildren’s lives. He was at every sporting game and event the grandchildren had. He enjoyed taking his great granddaughter Mia on rides around on the mule. She was known to him as his “lil honey”. He was the happiest with his grandchildren in his lap. He was called “Papa” but was a daddy to all his grandchildren. In his younger years he played softball. He was a pitcher and an outfielder. He started at a young age until his son Goose started playing Little League Baseball. On Monday nights you could find him holding the remote and watching Street Outlaws, he also enjoyed westerns. Sometimes he would give in and watch Sponge Bob or Frozen. When his only grandson, Dakota, got old enough Papas love turned to tracing him how to hunt and fish. He was always telling hunting and fishing stories from his youth. If he wasn’t working, he loved to be outside in the yard, working on his old truck or watering Nana’a flowers. He was a man of gentle wisdom. He loved in his own, unique way. He could joke with the best of them and had a heart of integrity. When he spoke, everyone listened. His life told a story of God’s grace and goodness. He will be missed by all who know him and love him. The family will receive guests Wednesday April 28th from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Green Country Funeral Home.