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.”