Hugh Mattingly Spalding Jr.

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Saint Xavier High School

Hugh Spalding Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Hugh Mattingly Spalding Jr.
Start: 2021-08-14T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Unity of Louisville

Hugh Mattingly Spalding, Jr.

Hugh Mattingly Spalding, Jr., (71) of Louisville, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Mr. Spalding was born in Lebanon, Kentucky to the late Hugh M. Spalding, Sr. and Ann Talbott (Mattingly) Spalding. He spent his childhood in Marion County, later moving to Louisville with his parents and eight siblings. He attended St. Xavier High School and was elected President, Class of 1968. He was often reminded of a famed photo taken (1967) when he blocked a punt in the St. X-Flaget football game. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Bellarmine-Ursuline College majoring in psychology, and worked in the field of addiction treatment for over 47 years. He was a retired civil servant working in the Kentucky Department of Mental Health, Division of Substance Abuse. He was a long-time member of the Kentuckiana Association of Volunteer Administrators and volunteered his time with Al-Anon, ManKind Project, Unity of Louisville, Project WARM, Coalition for the Homeless, St. Xavier High School, and Operation Brightside.

Mr. Spalding loved being a husband, father, and grandfather. He balanced his life with daily prayer, mindfulness meditation, hatha yoga, oil-free vegan diet, regular exercise, and social support in three men's groups. He enjoyed hiking, with treks to the Grand Canyon and Canadian Rockies. He was an avid "bogie" golfer. He loved listening to Rhythm and Blues, dancing with Z (the love of his life), working crossword puzzles and reading mystery novels.

Mr. Spalding was preceded in death by his brother, Robert "Michael" Spalding. Those left to cherish his memories are his wife, Zelda Powell Spalding, whom he married December 14, 1996, siblings: Jane Neiman (Dan), Betty Rataj (Ed), Tobby Spalding, Rose "Doody" Jaquith (Paul), Caroline Spalding, Charles Spalding (Laura), Barbara "Lee" Lorio (Sam); children: Tommy Spalding, Hugh "Matt" Spalding III (Lucy Brown), Billy Spalding (Alex Pruitt), Sarah Spalding, and step-daughter Dawn Clark (Rick); grandchildren: Lauren Winfield, Adam Winfield, Brokk Spalding, Henry Spalding, Jack Spalding, and Hugh M. Spalding IV.

Hugh was the embodiment of love, kindness, service, intelligence, patience and gratitude. His warmth, compassion and positivity inspired everyone he met.

Memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 14 at Unity of Louisville. Masks will be required. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to www.unityoflouisville.org

"Always do your best."

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Published by Courier-Journal from Jul. 30 to Aug. 1, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Hugh Spalding

Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.

12 Entries

Rick Davies

February 14, 2023

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God".

Stephen Steilberg, O.D.

August 18, 2021

Zelda, you have my condolences on the loss of your husband. He sounds like a very caring and interesting fellow. I was good friends with his father. Also, I believe you and I were classmates at Kenwood Elementary School. My prayers will be with your family during this time of sorrow.

James Thompson

Planted Trees

Cliff Krause & Pam Hogan

August 11, 2021

Cliff Krause & Pam Hogan

August 11, 2021

Cliff Krause & Pam Hogan

August 11, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Rich Lee

Planted Trees

Peggy K Frerman

August 7, 2021

So very sorry to hear of Hugh´s passing. I met Hugh years ago after college but had not seen him in awhile. Always a fun guy.
My condolences to Matt, Billy and Sarah and all his family.

Rick Davies

August 5, 2021

Unfortunately I never had a real conversation with the fella but he always had a warm handshake and a warm smile each Sunday at Unity. God bless him and his family.

Paula Battcher

August 2, 2021

Hugh and I were childhood friends having come from the same neighborhood in Lebanon. He walked me to Kindergarten every day because I was afraid of dogs. He was my first crush and my first kiss. Through the years we have found ourselves in groups of mutual friends. I remember when he met my friend, Zelda, and how perfect they were for each other. Hugh was a kind and gentle man and he will be missed. Love and condolences to Z and his children and grandchildren as well as all of his siblings.

Judi Timmel

August 2, 2021

So sorry to learn of Hugh's passing - I knew him from Bellarmine and would see at BU functions. He was always so interesting to talk to. My sympathy to the family.

Nancy C Brown

July 30, 2021

I've seen Hugh over the years from our teen days at TOSMA until our later years when I watched him and Zelda dance together at various events. They were so in love. I remember him telling me how good they were together and how happy he was to have found her. Hugh was always friendly and kind, an all around good guy. My condolences to Zelda, his children, and grandchildren.

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