William Thomas "Bill" Mattingly

William Thomas "Bill" Mattingly, age 85 of Louisville, Kentucky, affectionately known as Billy, Dad and Papaw, ventured to the other side of the starts on Thursday, July 16, 2026.  An adventurous spirit with no fear, Bill was a family man with never ending love pride for his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.  He hitchhiked to California from Kentucky in his 20's with a friend.  At one point he spent the night sleeping in a highway median and waking up surrounded by snakes!  He worked as an usher with his beloved Kentucky Wildcats who won the National Championship in 1958.  He snuck onto the floor to celebrate with the team and never missed an opportunity to tell people he was on the court - especially when he was playing ball in the Senior League at "the Y".  The only thing that stopped him was a knee injury at age 70!  A true Kentuckian through and through, he met his wife in the infield a the Kentucky Derby more than 60 years ago where he saw her in a bright yellow dress.  Bill stole one of her shoes to keep her attention.  For the rest of his life, he always made sure to get her something in yellow for special occasions.  He never met a stranger and always treated people with respect; whether you were the President of Churchill Downs or someone near him in line at Costco, he made everyone feel valued as they are.  Bill enjoyed the simple things in life; spending time with family and friends, a childhood stop at Mazoni's for rolled oysters with his Dad, a fish sandwich on rye bread with onion rings from Mike Linning's on a summer day, a chocolate milkshake anytime time of the year, stopping to admire some yellow flowers along the way or having some form of chocolate any time!  Of all this, he always made sure he told those dearest to him how much he loved them and of course, listening to Ray Charles.

Bill was a member of River of Life Church and also served his country in the United States Army of which he was very proud.  He was a graduate of Flaget High School, class of 1959 and retired from General Electric after 37 years of service.

Bill leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Donna Shultz Mattingly; children, Barbara Jeffery (Tom), Sandy McAfee and Jan Smith (Mark); grandchildren, Jennifer "Nikki" Clark, Elijah Jeffery (Elisha), Matthew Jeffery (Adair), Christopher Craig, Kayla Smith and Carissa Stanley (Matthew); 9 great-grandchildren; siblings, Larry Mattingly and Gail Clark (James); and also a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4pm on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40243.  A celebration of Billy's life will follow there at 4pm.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

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