David W Matlock Jr, “DW”, age 55, went home to Jesus surrounded by loved ones on February 16, 2025 at Trident Medical Center in North Charleston, South Carolina.

David was born in Cisco, Texas where his love for the outdoors began. 

Being on the water or at a campsite is where he felt the most at home. Having spent a lot of time with his grandparents during his childhood, he learned so many things that are lost in today’s world. From using a sewing machine to building a treehouse, or making the best chili and skillet cornbread, to being the man who could stop on the side of road to help anyone fix their broken down car, David was truly a jack of all trades. He often credited his work ethic, his love for being outside, and all of his abilities to his grandparent’s influence.

Throughout his life, David struggled with trying to figure out where he fit in this world. There were so many disadvantages thrown at him from such a young age that life was an uphill battle as soon as he stepped into adulthood. While he often felt alone and was trying to find his place, he met and married his first wife, Donna, and had an amazing son, Marshal. 

Becoming a dad gave him a sense of purpose that he had always wanted and he poured everything into being the best dad he could be. After a divorce he met his wife, Jennifer, and her daughter Alexandra, and he really felt his life was complete. The Lord knew better and solidified them all as a family with the birth of their son Dawson. While riding Harleys and going boating was soon replaced with going to the ball field and coaching baseball, David loved being a dad to all three.

When life moved them from their home in SC to NC, the Lord showed favor (and a sense of humor) upon him by blessing him with the birth of his daughter, Lucy Emersyn at the age of 41. No other baby girl could’ve been more loved. David was smitten instantly and it was at that time that David recognized how gracious and loving the Lord had been to him, and he gave his life to Christ.

On December 8, 2015, while living in Florida, Juliette, Victoria, and Vivianna entered into the family by way of foster care/adoption. David loved them so deeply. 

The man who felt so alone was now the father of 7 children and a PawPaw to 3 beautiful grandsons. Along the way he fostered over 200 children but remained heart tied to his first two foster children, Stephanie and CJ. He also poured into the lives of so many other children in every community where his family lived. He became the man that he needed somebody to be for him when he was a child.

As you can imagine, the enemy didn’t like that David had a servants heart, especially given his beginnings, so the enemy attacked him even harder. For many years, David battled mental health issues, as well as alcohol abuse disorder. And although it took its toll on his earthly body, the enemy couldn’t have David’s heart because THAT belonged to the Lord. He often shared songs and posts with his wife, his children, and his friends, reminding them of just how much God loves them.

So while we all mourn him because we are left behind, David won his battle against the enemy and is seated at the feet of Jesus.

David is survived by his wife, Jennifer Matlock, his son, Marshal (Michelle) Matlock, his daughter Alexandra (Millind) Faunce, his daughter, Juliette (Jalen) Rodriguez, his daughter Victoria Martinez Matlock, his son, Dawson Matlock, his daughter, Vivianna Martinez Matlock, and his daughter Lucy Emersyn Matlock. He is also survived by his grandsons: Declan, Everett, and Kaiden.

Also mourning his passing is his biological mother Lois (Ralph) Cox, mother in law Dolores Jones, bonus mom, Lisa (Jim) Vaughan, brother David F Matlock, sister Stephanie (Allan) Carter, sister Sharon Williams. Penny brother James Patrick “JP“ Vaughan, Bonus sister, Angie Matlock. Brother-in-laws Jeff (Lori) Jones, and Jason Jones. Multiple nieces and nephews who he loved greatly.

He was preceded in death by his Father in law, Rodger M. Jones, nephew Brandon Matlock, and granddaughter Marleigh Faunce.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made on the memorial website.

Memorial Service will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 12pm at Sweetgrass Pavilion in Mt. Pleasant, SC.

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