Neil Matlock

Neil Matlock, age 84, of Bismarck died Thursday, March 5, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born May 7, 1941, in Hot Spring County, AR. He was the son of the late Huie Matlock and Gracie Fern Tyler Matlock.

Neil surrendered to preach July of 1992. He pastored two churches, Prairie Bayou and Philippi Churches of Christ, and preached many revivals during his ministry where he is remembered to preach fiery sermons. It was safe to say that no one ever fell asleep during his messages. He would get excited, clap his hands together while preaching his heart out with tears streaming down his face. He never missed an opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ and what he had done for him. He worked at Reynolds Metal Company for 20 years, drove a dump truck for 13 years, and was a poultry farmer for 18 years. Neil worked hard and played hard. Some of his hobbies included playing music, hunting and running hounds, riding and breaking horses, coaching softball, camping, watching his kids and grandchildren play sports, and gardening. However, his favorite hobby was aggravating to the point that he was known as "Maytag" at Reynolds because he was such an agitator. But more than anything, Neil loved hard. His love for Jesus, his wife Sarah Jane, his daughters and grandchildren was evident to all that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Donnie Matlock. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Sarah Jane Hughes Matlock, three daughters, Robin Collie (Rick) of Amity, Dayna Thomas (Kelly), and Mecca Gourley (Jim) all of Bismarck. One twin brother Nowlin Matlock (Shirley) of Bismarck. He was blessed with 7 grandchildren, Jeremy Collie (Amanda), Chris Collie (Tosha), Coltan Thomas (Marci), Kyndall Mount (Brady), Kassady Davis (Cameron), Brody Thomas, and Alex Thomas, 11 great grandchildren, and a whole host of friends and family.

The visitation will be Sunday, March 8 at 2pm with the Home-Going Celebration immediately following at 3pm all at the Prairie Bayou Church of Christ with Officiating the services are Neil's sons-in-law and grandson-in-law: Rick Collie, Kelly Thomas, Jim Gourley, and Brady Mount. Interment will be in the Prairie Bayou Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Jeremy Collie, Chris Collie, Coltan Thomas, Brody Thomas, Alex Thomas, and Cameron Davis. Honorary Pallbearers will be his great grandsons: Jaden Collie, Jacob Collie, Joseph Billings, Jason Davis, Blu Mount, and Grayson Smith.

Special thanks to Elite Hospice and Belvedere Rehab in Hot Springs.

In lieu of donations, the family welcomes memorials to be made to Prairie Bayou Cemetery fund.

In Neil's own words, "bury me in my jeans and I don't want anyone else dressing up for me". We invite friends and family to join us in honoring his request by wearing jeans to his home-going celebration.

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com