JOSEPH "JOEY" RICHARD MATLOCK

PERRY – The following obituary discusses struggles of opiate addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, please reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or through their website at www.samhsa.gov. Joseph Richard “Joey” Matlock, 35, lost his battle with addiction and died unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Family and friends are invited to gather at Watson-Hunt Funeral Home on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. to show love and support to Joey’s people. Drug addiction is a roller coaster of ups and downs. The ups fool victims with a thrill; however, the downs drown the whole life. A toothache is how it all began for Joey. At the age of 20, Joey began his battle with addiction to opiates. Over time, drugs hindered his self-esteem and weakened his self-confidence. Joey never saw just how great he really was to all those who loved him. Addiction stole Joey from himself, and eventually, they took him from all the ones who will forever love and miss him. Ultimately that decision cost him his life and shattered the hearts of all who loved him. Joey had the “biggest, purest, kindest” heart any one person could believe. He was truly a good soul. The world lost out losing him to through evil know as heroin and fentanyl. Never do drugs but more importantly not these, and never do them alone. Through the years, Joey's battle with addiction there was one person who was always there to have his back. His mother stood by his side, always encouraging him, and always believing in him. Joey once referenced that if he ever needed anything, "she has moved mountains every time." Joey was the first to be born, to hold, to kiss, to be loved, and first to call out for his mom; who will hold him in her heart forever. Joey had many talents and he was a natural comedian. He brought the fun to any time and laughter came easily in his presence. He was fun to be around and tears from laughter wasn't uncommon. Many know him for his vocal talent. He discovered in fifth grade that he could sing, winning the talent contest singing Indian Outlaw. In the following years, he won the talent contest again and took to the stage singing with his cousin’s heavy metal band. Joey still sang for those around him and recently started believing that he actually was good too. In recent years, Joey spent his time creating and building anything with his hands that he desired; swords, hatchets, knives, spears, and throwing stars to name a few. He also built chicken coops and dog houses for his mother and her boyfriend just in the last month. He learned many skills including woodwork, plumbing, wiring, and welding skills to be able to do more in his hobbies. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Pam Kirby; his grandfather, Al Thompson; paternal grandmother, Kathy Matlock; best friend, Brian Spillers; and best fur child, Midnight. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Makayla and Anthony; his wife and friend, Kristen Bradshaw Matlock of Perry; Girlfriend of 3 years, Jessica Ussery of McRae; Beloved pets Junior, Sky, and newest favorite of all time, Miss Piggie Poo; Mother Kimberly Kelly and Stepfather Brian Westbrooks both of Fort Valley, Father Aaron Matlock (Cassandra) of Macon; brothers, Brett Kelly and Bryan Westbrooks; sisters Heather Kelly, Courtney Kelly, Chloe Huval, Aby Westbrooks; his favorite “swirvey” Aunt, Lisa Kirby; cousin, Austin Carmichael; Uncle, Wayne (Mauri); cousins, David, Sidney, Chase, Ryan, and Kristen; Aunt, Brandi Westbrooks; cousins, Trip and Hanna Huckaby; and last and most importantly, his pawpaw Joe Kirby; who was always there, rain or shine, no matter time or distance. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Tributes

JOSEPH "JOEY" RICHARD MATLOCK

April 22, 1989 - May 8, 2024