George "Sprad" SpradlingAfter a brief battle with cancer, Sprad passed away Saturday morning, May 20, surrounded by his children.  He was born on June 25, 1929, in Saginaw, Michigan to George C. and Dorothy Spradling.Sprad was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, attending School 57 and Howe High School. He attended DePauw University from 1947-1949 where he played football and basketball and joined Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He attended Purdue University from 1949-1951 where he majored in Biology and physical education. While at Purdue, he served as president of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and was one of the first student athletic trainers. Sprad received his bachelor's diploma from Butler University in 1951 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served four years of active duty in aviation ordnance and four years as a reservist.After his honorable discharge in 1955, Sprad returned to Indianapolis with his family where he began his career working with his father at Spradling Auto Parts, Inc. He served as president of the Indiana Automotive Wholesalers Association in 1967 and 1968. He became the owner, expanding to four stores. Spradling Auto Parts became affiliated with NAPA in 1968. In 1978, Sprad sold the business to General Automotive  Parts (later Genuine Parts Co.). He served as Sales Manager at NAPA Indianapolis until his retirement in 1988.Sprad was involved in the community. He was active in the Lion's Club, coached football in Tabernacle's youth program as well as coaching in the YMCA's youth basketball program. He served as a deacon, elder and trustee at Irvington Presbyterian Church during 1965 to 1986. He later joined St. Luke's Methodist Church where he was a member until his death. Sprad enjoyed many years as a member of  Junto of Indianapolis where he cherished the friendships he made. During his four years as a resident of Marquette Manor, Sprad volunteered in many activities and served as secretary of the Protestant Chapel, Inc. He enjoyed greeting friends on Sunday afternoons at the services. He leaves behind many dear friends, including the Marquette Staff.  In 2016, Sprad was selected and went on the Indy Honor Flight to Washington, DC, accompanied by his daughter, Anne.The love of his life, Helen Hodges Spradling, preceded him in death after 64 years of marriage. Sprad is survived by his children, Cindy Mendenhall, Scott (Sherry) Spradling, and Anne (Craig) Fuson, his six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, as well as his sister, Sara (Bob) LeBien.Calling will be Wednesday, May 24, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Leppert Mortuary - Nora and Thursday, May 25, at St Luke's Methodist Church from 1:00-2:00 p.m. The service celebrating his life will be at St Luke's Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Indy Honor Flight, P.O. Box 10, Plainfield, IN 46048; the Protestant Chapel, Inc., 8140 Township Line Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260; or, Marquette Foundation, 8140 Township Line Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 (Attention: Michael McGinley).