Wilson Matlock

Wilson Matlock, a longtime resident of Bethel Springs, passed away leaving behind a family who knew him not simply as a husband, father, and grandfather, but as a steady and generous presence whose greatest joy was seeing the people he loved taken care of.
Born November 20, 1931, in McNairy County, Tennessee, Wilson was the son of the late Edgar and Jennie Hardin Matlock. On April 29, 1951, he married the love of his life, Genell Hickman. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and the simple things that make a house a home.
Wilson spent many years working with his hands, doing drywall in homes, hotels, and hospitals. He took pride in his work and in being someone others could depend on. That same nature followed him outside of work. He was always willing to help someone in need, never looking for praise or recognition for what he had done. Helping others was simply part of who he was.
For more than 50 years, Bethel Springs was Wilson’s home. It was where he made friends, raised his family, and became part of the community he loved. He especially enjoyed meeting his Bethel friends for coffee, where a cup of coffee and good conversation was often all he needed to make an ordinary day a good one.
Wilson loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, but above all else, he loved his family. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his world. The love he had for them was evident in the way he lived—quietly, faithfully, and always putting their needs before his own. His family will remember not only the things he did for them, but the comfort of knowing that he was always there.
Wilson is survived by his wife of 75 years, Genell (Hickman) Matlock of Saltillo; a son, Jerry Matlock and wife Patricia of Selmer; two daughters, Teresa Morgan and companion Steve of Saltillo and Pamela Hopkins and husband Terry of Corinth, Mississippi; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and a very special niece, Ruth Johnson of Corinth, Mississippi.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Mike Matlock; a daughter, Glenda Tull; a grandson, Hunter Carroll; four brothers; and three sisters.
Wilson’s life was not defined by seeking attention or recognition. It was defined by showing up, working hard, helping others, loving his family, and making a home in the place and among the people he cherished. For those who knew him, his absence will be felt in the quiet moments—in an empty chair, around the coffee table, and especially in the hearts of the family who meant more to him than anything else in this world.
Services were held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, Tennessee, with Jetta Forsythe officiating. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memorial Gardens in Bethel Springs, Tennessee.
Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer are honored to serve the family of Wilson Matlock.