The family and friends of the late Rev. Ralph Matlock, who passed away August 10. His funeral was held August 13, at First Church, Jackson, TN at 2 p.m. He was the associate pastor at First Church, Jackson, TN.

He was the son of the late H. F. and Flossie Harris Matlock and was born in Beech Bluff. Rev. Matlock graduated from Beech Bluff High School, Bethel College and the Cumberland Presbyterian Seminary at McKenzie. He served in the US Army Corp during World War II in the South Pacific. Rev. Matlock was an ordained minister for over 45 years, serving as pastor of churches at Hohenwald, TN; Pine Bluff, AR; Lewisburg, TN; Tusculum Church at Nashville; Holly Grove, TN; Brighton, TN and Brunswick, TN Church. He moved to Jackson in 1988 as associate pastor of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served until he retired due to ill health.

Rev. Matlock is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rachel Butler Matlock of Jackson; two daughters, Roslynn Hayes and husband Jim of Paris and Ronda Smith and husband Jim of Memphis; one sister, Mrs. Ruth Fowler of Beech Bluff; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family has requested that any memorials be directed to First Church, 1730 Hwy. 45 Bypass, Jackson, TN 38305 or Maple Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Beech Bluff, TN 38313.

Services for the Rev. Matlock, 76 were held August 13, at the First Church, Jackson TN, with the Rev. Terry Maynard and the Rev. James Westbrook officiating. His burial was in the Maple Springs Cemetery.

[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, October 1997, page 6]