Alexander Matthew Spady

Alexander Matthew Spady, 23, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, formerly of Portsmouth, Virginia, died unexpectedly last week. A gifted musician, scholar, athlete, and apprentice electrician, Alex touched the lives of many with his humility, compassion, and quiet brilliance.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, on July 13, 2002, Alex was the beloved son of James E. (Jim) and Kevin Woods Spady. Of Korean and Cambodian heritage, Alex was adopted into a loving family that nurtured his many talents and adventurous spirit.
Alex was an honor graduate of Churchland High School in Portsmouth, where he excelled in academics, especially mathematics and science, and was a standout member of the school's robotics team. He was known for his sharp intellect and collaborative spirit, helping lead his team to local and regional championships.
A gifted violinist, Alex began playing in first grade and later performed with his school orchestras, often as first chair. At eight years old, he became one of the youngest members of the Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia and in his junior year in high school, composed an original piece that the orchestra premiered. His love of music was matched by his curiosity about the world, which led him on school trips to Dominica, the Galápagos Islands, and Ecuador, where he explored ecological challenges and conservation efforts.
Alex began his college studies in electrical engineering at Purdue University, with an interest in quantum computing. After pausing his academic path during the COVID-19 pandemic, he pursued hands-on experience in the electrical trade. He joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 80 in Virginia and later transferred to Local 175 in Chattanooga, where he worked for White Electrical Construction Company. He deeply valued his coworkers' mentorship and camaraderie and was a valued member of the team.
Alex was a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, earning numerous championships in sparring, forms, and breaking techniques. He was a leader of his dojang's demonstration team and embraced the discipline and artistry of the sport.
Alex will be remembered for his quiet strength, generosity, and deep empathy. He was a loyal friend, a devoted son, and a thoughtful colleague who never sought the spotlight but always lifted others into it. His family, friends, and coworkers mourn the loss of a young man whose potential was as vast as his heart.
Alex is survived by his parents, Jim and Kevin Spady, an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many friends and colleagues.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7 from 6:00 to 7:30pm at R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory Downtown Suffolk Chapel (509 W. Washington St. Suffolk, VA 23434). Funeral services will be held at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church in Chuckatuck, Virginia, (220 Kings Hwy, Suffolk, VA 23432) on Saturday, November 8 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the church cemetery immediately afterward. R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory Downtown Suffolk Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.