William Kenneth "Chief" MatlockChief Kenneth Matlock passed away on Friday, November 18, 2016. He was born on December 3, 1928 in Shreveport, the son of Raiford and Louise Matlock. A graduate of Fair Park High School, he married Frances Davidson in 1948, who was the love of his life and constant companion. In 1947, Matlock joined the Louisiana National Guard. In 1958 he was honorably discharged with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, having earned his commission at Ft. Benning, GA. In 1949 he started his own automobile and furniture upholstery business which he operated for twenty five years. Employed by the city of Shreveport as a firefighter in 1952, he rose to the rank of Chief, and was the director of the Shreveport Five Prevention Bureau until his retirement in 1977. During those years, he was on the board of six different organizations related to firefighters and fire prevention.Immediately upon retirement from the Shreveport Fire Department, he became the director of the Ruston Fire Prevention Bureau, while simultaneously serving as the Director of Planning, Inspection and Permits, Director of the HUD Section 8 Housing Program, Administrative Assistant to the Planning and Zoning Commission and was the city Safety Director.In 1991, Chief Matlock was hired as a Louisiana Deputy State Fire Marshal. He was promoted to District Supervisor in 1994 and held that position until his retirement in 2014.A member of Cook Baptist Church in Ruston, Chief Matlock was a Sunday school teacher his entire adult life.He was preceded in death by his father, Raiford Franklin Matlock, mother, Louise Gould Matlock and infant brother, Raiford Franklin Matlock Jr.His is survived by his wife of 67 years, Frances Davidson Matlock, two sons, William David Matlock and wife Anne of Central, Louisiana, John Les Matlock and wife Jacque of Shreveport, daughter Jennifer Lynne White (Jennye) and husband Jay of West Monroe, five grandchildren and two great grand children.A private family graveside service will be held at Forest Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a memorial be made to the cancer research organization of your choice.
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