Michael “Mike” Keith Spradlin, 82, of Lucasville, Ohio, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025, with his wife and daughter by his side at SOMC Hospice Center. He was born December 3, 1942 in Clarktown, a son of the late Hebren and Odessa Slye Spradlin.
Michael was a 1960 graduate of Clay High School and attended Meat Cutting school. He later joined the Army Reserves and was a cook until 1970. Michael worked at Albert’s grocery store in Chillicothe, then as Head Meat Cutter and later as
the Meat Department Manager for Krogers at several locations, such as Portsmouth, Wheelersburg, Washington Courthouse, Wellston, and Jackson. He was a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union until he retired in 2010, after 44 years of employment.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Betty L. Robinson Spradlin, whom he married on September 6, 1969 in Portsmouth, Ohio. He is also survived by his only daughter, Terah (Ben) Harris of Minford, Ohio; his treasured grandsons, Mason (Jessi Wright) Harris of Columbus, Ohio and Matthew Harris of Cincinnati, Ohio; sister-in-law Linda Spradlin of Midlothian, VA; nieces Pamela Scarfpin and Paula Bradbury of Minford and Melanie Castleman of Nashville, TN (all have been a blessing). In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brothers Hebren (Alice) Spradlin Jr., Richard Spradlin, Gilford Spradlin and infant brother.
Anyone that met Michael, knew how much he loved animals. The first pet he and Betty had was a hound dog named Poochie, and they were never without a pet from that point on! He always had a soft spot for strays, and often fed dogs that were in need while on his way home from work. Their most recent dog, Baxter, was at his side through the most difficult times last year. He talked Betty into adopting the stray cat that was hanging around their porch just a month ago, so it wouldn’t be out in the bitter cold. He loved his daughter and son-in-law’s pets like his own. He enjoyed feeding and caring for his fish in the large Koi pond he made in the backyard. His wonderful neighbors Dan Crank and Dennis Ward were such a blessing over the years, always lending a helping hand whenever and wherever needed.
Michael could play the guitar and accordion, enjoyed working on cars, reading the newspaper, and watching Nascar. He attended his first race with his son-in-law, Ben, who was more like a son to Michael. They often shared advice and always helped one another. His grandsons, Mason and Matthew, were his pride and joy. He loved attending their sporting events and was even more proud of their academic and career achievements. They loved helping their Pappaw in “projects” in and around the house, learning valuable life lessons and the importance of hard work.
His family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support during this time, as well as the team at SOMC Hospice.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, February 13, 2025, at F.C. Daehler Mortuary, 915 Ninth Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662.
Friends and visitors will be received from 12:00 NOON until the time of the service.
Pastor Dennis Evans officiating. Followed by Military Honors for American Legion James Dickey Post #23.
Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory of Mike or condolences for his family.
