Lewis Ray Spradlin, age 88, of Brookville, Indiana passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at his residence in Brookville.
Born December 9, 1935 in a small town in the hills of Kentucky, he was one of 8 children born to the late Ray F. & Nancy (Carter) Spradlin. Times were hard and his childhood was a tough one, he battled Rickets disease, overcame poverty and became the man we celebrate today.
He married the love of his life, Mabel in September of 1958, and was drafted into the U.S. Army the same year. After moving around a bit they settled back into Mabel’s hometown of Brookville. He was employed at the former Sperry Rubber & Plastics in Brookville where he was known by the nickname ‘Swifty’. After retirement there, he volunteered at Brookville Healthcare Center for another 18 years, except on Wednesday mornings when he could be found at White’s Sale Barn looking for veggies to buy & give away, or buying bicycles for kids that didn’t have one. He was a quiet hero, when asked to help he never hesitated. He loved to tease and joke with everyone he met along the way. Babies & children were drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
Ray was a gentleman with a heart of gold that never realized his own worth. He loved the Lord and showed God’s love with a quiet gentle spirit that lives on today through everyone he met. He survived things that should have taken his life sooner; but he overcame and became stronger in his faith because of.
Besides Mabel, his loving wife of over 65 years, survivors include three children, Darlene Jeffries of Milan, Indiana, Julie (Joe) Payne of Ross, Ohio and Doug (Sarah) Spradlin of Brookville, Indiana; bonus daughters, Penny (Mark) Plemens of Chelsea, Michigan and Chrystal (Dylan) Mattix of Brookville; nine grandchildren, Mike Bowers, Jason (Sherry) Bowers, Philip (Andrea) Payne, Colton (Jessica) Payne, Miranda (Clay) Stewart, Emmalee (Daniel) Bautista, Hanna (Nate) Spradlin, Lily McGee, Austin Spradlin; seven great-grandchildren; Trevor Bowers, Madison Payne, Max Payne, RJ Payne, Easton Stewart, Karsyn Stewart, Hudson Myers; a brother, Earl (Mag) Spradlin of Mississippi; as well as his sister-in-laws, Arlene Dorrel & Linda Canada both of Brookville, Indiana.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Mildred, Martha, Mary, Gene, Carl, and Eddie; as well as his son-in-law, Alan Jeffries.
Family & friends may visit from 3 until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.
The Funeral Service will be conducted Friday, September 6, 2024; 11:00 A.M. at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home. Burial with full military graveside honors by the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion will follow in Big Cedar Cemetery in Brookville.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Spradlin family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .