Dennis Tyrone Matlock was born on March 17, 1955, in Sparkman, to the union of Bennie D. and Earnestine Cook Matlock.

Family and friends called him “Big Red”. He was a hard worker and always busied himself with “odds and ends” around the house.

Dennis worked for Ray White Lumber Company for years until he retired. He was a simple man, who truly enjoyed the simple pleasures that life offered. His hobbies included fishing, watching basketball, and listening to Saturday morning blues. He will be remembered for sitting on his back porch and just having a good time. One of his greatest joys was spending memorable moments with family and friends. His nieces and nephews called him “Unc”.

“Big Red” will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and friends. He possessed a friendly spirit and never met a stranger. He meant what he said, and said what he meant. His natural wit and humor could never be duplicated. He passed into the Lord’s embrace on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at his home in Sparkman. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Charles Matlock, Williams Matlock, Bennie Matlock, Pernell Matlock, Louis Matlock, and Roger Matlock; two sisters, Francis Matlock and Dorothy Brown; and a sister-in-law, Freddie Matlock.

He leaves his wife, Warnette Matlock of Sparkman; two children, Stacy Matlock of Dalark, and LaTonya Knox of Arkadelphia; two bonus children, DeAndre (Sharon) Flint and Antonio Flint all of Bearden; four grandchildren; five sisters, Carolyn Bivens and Mae S. Johnson both of Arkadelphia, Lillie (Johnny) Penix, Ruthie Matlock and Teresa Golden all of Rockford, Ill.; one brother, James (Tonya) Matlock of San Antonio, Texas; sisters-in-law, Jan Matlock of Lansing, Mich., and Etha Matlock of Rockford, Ill. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, special friends, Edward “Buck” Henley, Don Burks, and Joseph Hall, as well as other friends.

Visitation will be Friday, June 17, from 1-6 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held at noon on Saturday, June 18, at First Baptist Church in Sparkman with Rev. L. A. Craig, eulogist. Interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Darrin Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Charles Bivens, Roger Perrey, Lawrence Gregory, and Henry Wilson. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Lock, Edward Eason, Eunice “Pete” Bowman, Edward Henley, Don Burks, and Joseph Hall.