Obituary of William Russell Spaulding

William Russell Spaulding

April 29, 1945 - November 8, 2023

William Russell “Rick” Spaulding died of complications related to cancer on November 8th, 2023, in Charleston, SC at the age of 78.

Rick is survived by his wife, Brenda Gayle Spaulding; children, Jason Spaulding and Molly McMullen, Jeremy Spaulding, Mary and Jacob Christiansen, Trikia Spaulding, and Russell and Becky Spaulding; grandchildren; Sarah Howard, Brandon Spaulding, Megan Spaulding, Jake Christiansen, Sawyer Spaulding, and Parker Spaulding; great- grandchildren of Sarah and Andrew Howard, Joey and Benji; of siblings, Sharon Stutler of Nickolasville, KY, Marshall Spaulding of Charleston, WV, Marilyn Bays of Eastview Summit, KY, Rose Spaulding of Charleston, WV, Sandy Spaulding of Scott Depot, WV, Mark Spaulding of South Charleston, WV, Nick Spaulding of Charleston, WV. He is preceded in death by his parents John Russell and Izola Virginia Spaulding and sister Robin Spaulding, Charleston, WV.

Rick was born on April 29, 1945 in Charleston, WV to John Russell Spaulding and Izola Virginia Westfall.

He graduated from Palmer College with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice in May 1973. He served in the Navy as a Corpsman from July 1962 - July 1968. After serving in the Navy he went into Law Enforcement for the city of Beaufort. During his career in law enforcement he worked in the County Sheriff's department where he held multiple positions including detective from 1967 - 1978. After leaving the department in 1978, he began working at Winn Dixie where he met his beautiful wife Brenda Gayle. Rick married Brenda Spaulding, the love of his life and sweetheart, in 1985. After meeting in Hilton Head, SC Rick and Brenda created a beautiful life together and welcomed three children into their home. Rick continued his work in grocery store management until 2006, then switched tracks to Human Resources at Walmart. He formally retired in 2017 to spend more time with his grandchildren and travel with Brenda.

As a father he was patient, loving and gentle. He encouraged and supported his children’s goals by offering endless amounts of time and effort. He attended every dance recital, football game, wrestling matches, band competitions, school events,and graduations. His sense of humor and joy in living made life in the family home one filled with laughter and love. He was slow to criticize and accepted each of his children and others as they were.

Rick was an excellent and natural golfer. He was a FreeMason, initiated at Harmony Lodge #22. He loved music and was very intelligent and quick witted. He was supportive of his wife’s career and encouraged her to pursue her career goals, willingly keeping the home fires burning when she traveled with her work. Rick was comfortable with who he was. He was someone who was easy to be with, including being the life of the party. He could “cut a rug” to his favorite music with his wife, tell a joke that had everyone laughing, and was the first one to laugh at a party or an event. Let’s not forget how he could quietly step outside to soak up some sunshine. This made him a favorite uncle, in law and friend. His humility and focus on being, instead of constant doing, made relationships comfortable. He was present with others and “in the moment.” He was just such a soothing person to

be around. All of those who knew and loved him will miss this gentle giant of a man, but are grateful to have shared a part of their life’s journey with him.

A Celebration of Rick’s Life is planned for 4pm on Wednesday, November 15th at their family home. Friends and family are welcome to attend and celebrate Rick’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send plants or shrubs to put in the backyard (Rick’s favorite place) to their family home.

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