Jay Matthews, 89 years young, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Talala, OK.

He was an only child born to William W. “Bill” and Ruby J. Matthews. Jay lived a simple, grounded life with lasting values and a deep devotion to family and friends. He would literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He had a great passion for the outdoors (hunting and especially fishing), sports (football), and animals.

Nothing brought him greater joy than his daughters. Jay was always proud of his girls! His love extended to his animals. He spent countless hours training and caring for his horses and enjoying the companionship of his dogs. In his later life, Jabbo, Jake, Sissy and Shorty were his faithful companions.

Jay started riding by himself at the age of two. By age six, he was racing horses and earned enough money to buy his OWN horse! Throughout his high school years, he participated in sports, horse racing, and began his rodeo career. When he was in 11th grade, Hollywood came calling. Jay landed a role in the movie “Naked in the Sun” which debuted in 1957. He was offered an acting contract and a life in Hollywood, but Jay never made it there because rodeo was in his blood. Upon graduation, he was offered a full ride scholarship to play football, which he loved but again, he respectfully declined so he could continue down the rodeo road. During his rodeo career (1950 – 1975), Jay was a world class calf roper, did a little bit of bull doggin’, bronc riding and he said when he felt a little stupid, he would get on a bull. His rodeoing opened the opportunity for modeling Stetson hats and shirts, then for Marlboro cigarettes. Jay was the “Marlboro Man” on billboards throughout Florida.

After hanging up his ropes in 1975, he returned to his roots on the racetrack with a vengeance! This time not as a jockey but as an owner and trainer. Jay found much success on the track and loved his racehorses very much. He was also a licensed farrier shoeing his own horses plus working for others on the racetrack. As his racing career came to an end, you could still find him trackside at Delta Downs in Vinton, LA helping out, giving advice and showing support for his fellow horse owners and trainers.

When Jay finally retired in his early 80’s, he moved to Oklahoma where he helped his daughter Montie with her horses. During this time, his passion for gardening was reignited. You could often find him outside in his garden where he grew tomatoes, okra, corn, bell peppers, onions, and watermelons. It made him happy to be able to share his produce with family and friends.

Jay is survived by his three daughters; Pam (Herbert) Albritton, Montie (David) Ledford, and Annie (Rasy) Forrest.

Twelve Grandchildren: Teiauna (Eric) Nettles, Daniel (Jessica) Stockman, Trey Albritton, Matthew (Ashley) Albritton, Mike (Anna) Mills, Mitchell Mills and Jacob Jizrawi, Katie (Nathan) Parrish, Matthew (Kelsey) Ledford, Caroline Ledford and Matt Simmons, Ashley (Chad) Karner, Raylynn (Rickie) Barrett, Sidney Forrest and Dillon Graham.

Twenty-One Great Grandchildren: Anya, Keir, Kiley, Quin, Knox, Tristan, Mia, Remington, Jordan, Chyanne, Kamry, Hadley, Hesston, Abbey, Ben, Piper, Grayson, Carter, Gage, Kobe, and Remington Barrett.

Honorary Family Members to Jay: Lorna Sue Miller, Regena (Darrell) Stelly, Kealy Stelly (Robyn Halley), Kaitie Stelly, Patty (Tonya) Fanning, and Coeta Ledford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Matthews and Ruby Matthews, his first wife Linda Holbrook, and his second wife Sallie Fletcher.

Jay touched many lives during his time on this earth. He never met a stranger and treated people the way he wanted to be treated. His memory will be cherished by all of those who were blessed to share in his journey.

From Your Girls

Though you are no longer on this earth, the lessons you taught us, the honesty you instilled in us and the love you showed us will stay with us forever and always. We love you DAD!

Pam, Montie, and Annie