Philip Rhea Matlock

Philip Rhea Matlock was born May 27, 1947 in Margarita, Panama Canal Zone to the late Herbert and Lucille (Jones) Matlock. He passed away October 30, 2020 in Oklahoma City at the age of 73 years, 5 months, and 2 days.

Philip grew up on the family farm north of Davis. He graduated from Davis High School in 1965, where he was active in 4H and track. He then went on to East Central University, graduating in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in science education. Philip taught science and chemistry at Moore High School for a while before moving to Indiana to pursue a doctorate in chemistry from Purdue University. There, he worked as a teaching assistant obtaining his masters in 1973. After moving back to Oklahoma, he spent the rest of his life as self-employed engineer, designing machinery for production plants all over the country & running his various manufacturing companies.

Philip married Dixie Jean Coats in 1966 and they had two children. No matter the job he was doing, he was never too busy to have his children by his side. He made sure they understood the value of hard work and, most importantly, having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Davis for most of his adult life, serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and youth volunteer. He most recently attended First Baptist Church in Moore. His faith in God was constant and unwavering.

He is survived by his son Brian and wife Tara of Oklahoma City; daughter Rhea and husband Jeremy of Davis; ten grandchildren, Austin Matlock, Christopher Matlock, Colby Matlock, Hope Matlock, Sean Samson, Micah Gilliland, Ella Gilliland, Madeline Gilliland, Olivia Gilliland, and Elizabeth Gilliland; one brother Paul Matlock and wife Diana of Houston, Texas; and nephew Michael Matlock and wife Laura of Nesbit, Mississippi.

Philip is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Charles Matlock, and his granddaughter, Anna Gilliland.

A memorial service will be held Friday November 6, 2020 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church in Davis.