Richard Aubin Mattingly
Richard Aubin Mattingly, 60, passed away suddenly on May 31, 2022. at the T J Samson Hospital in Glasgow. He was born March 15, 1962, in Elizabethtown, Ky to Aubin and the late Wanda (Bickett) Mattingly. He was graduated from North Hardin High School (1980), and the University of Kentucky with a BS in Agriculture Economics (1984).
Richard was a multifaceted agriculture specialist. Once described as seeing operations from 10,000 feet up, indicating the ability to always look at the big picture and break it down to find innovative solutions for the situations that arise in a large multi-faceted company & farm. He was regularly described as the hardest working person that anyone knew.
From childhood, he grew and flourished on his family’s dairy farm where he built a strong work ethic and his own herd in order to finance his university studies.
His professional career began at Perdue Farms (1984-1995) where his skills and work ethic moved him through a fast track management program. He began as a Field Representative, moving to Health Manager, Grow Out Manager, Live Production Manager (the youngest in the US at the time), and Plant Processing Management. His Live Production responsibilities included placement of 2.2 million chicks per week, managing a multimillion-dollar budget with a grow out office (31 field representatives and 4 office staff). 2 hatcheries (100 employees), and over 400 producers.
Upon moving back to Kentucky ( the granddaughter needed to be reared near grandparents), Richard returned to the dairy industry as a feed salesman who took pride in sharing a wide range of information about current opportunities, as well as, new and upcoming industry standards and options (1995-2004)
Shortly after his return to Kentucky, Richard began his entrepreneurial professional life when he and Sharon bought the beginnings of Malvern Hills Farm. There he was always searching for ways to bring new value to his agricultural products. From dairy heifer calves, to a beef cow/calf operation, to backgrounding feeder calves, to establishing a dairy heifer breeding station, to building 6 broiler poultry houses, to raising feed crops and to bringing robotic dairy milking to Barren County, he was always working hard to improve Malvern Hills.
When agricultural incomes in both the poultry and dairy industries collapsed nationwide, he downsized and began to explore new options in life.
As a young man, Richard absorbed the 4-H motto “To Make the Best Better” and the fully-memorized intent of the FFA Creed. As an adult, he strove not only to improve the organizations in which he participated, but also himself. Those efforts were recognized through the years as he served as a board member of the Ky. Poultry Federation and District Representative for the Kentucky Cattlemen. Additionally, he was recognized by the Master Cattleman Program (2000), as the Glasgow Barren County Chamber of Commerce Farmer of the Year (2016), as the Barren County Master Conservationist (2017), and finally as the DeLaval Top VMS Producer Award Recipient (2018).
Although farming at the intensity level necessary to build a farm from nothing, he always remembered the source of his blessings and was an active member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). There he served as both a deacon and elder, was a very busy property committee chairperson, a long time choir member, the sound-board technician, the mission trip coordinator, a member of the Coombs-Dickinson Sunday school class and part of the Kentucky Regional Men’s Chorus.
Richard and Sharon shared a profound love and were blessed with two children, whom Richard treasured through happy younger days and the difficult teen years. He was delighted in each positive move they made in their transition to adulthood as they faced their own adversities and joys. He supported their goals and in the midst of busy farming seasons he would find a way to drive truck and trailer loads of cattle to show barns across the state. He wrangled the rough ones, chased the loose ones, and cheered the efforts. Afterwards he would spend late nights driving back home in the dark, help unload and the next day, get up before the sun for another hard day of work on the farm. He taught his children about hard work, love of the land and a dedication to its stewardship through his daily life.
In recent years, two precious granddaughters taught him to stop and smell the baby shampoo. He delighted in sharing laughs, love and tractor rides with them.
He strove to demonstrate honor, courage, integrity and love through actions. Additionally he was recognized by his bravery in the face of adversity, and his faith in his everyday life.
In addition to his mother, Richard was preceded in death by a baby brother, David Mattingly. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sharon; a daughter, Stephanie Dillon (Kelly) of Glasgow; a son, Jonathan Mattingly of Etoile; his father Aubin of Rineyville; a brother, Glenn Mattingly (Nancy); a sister, Denise Joy (Terry). In addition, there are 2 granddaughters; McKinley Mattingly of Morgantown and Sasha Dillon of Glasgow; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and family of the heart.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Christian Church Heritage Partner Fund, 1100 N Race Street, Glasgow, Ky 42141; Jones Chapel Cemetery Fund c/o Chad Parnell or Sharon Mattingly, your local 4-H or FFA organization, or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life for Richard will be held 3:00 pm CDT Sunday, June 5th at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with burial in the Jones Chapel Cemetery in Adair County. A graveside service will be held @5:00 pm CDT at the Jones Chapel Cemetery for those unable to attend the Celebration of Life. Visitation will be Saturday, June 4th from 3:00 pm CDT until 8:00 pm CDT at Hatcher and Saddler Funeral Home and on Sunday at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) from 1:00 pm CDT until time for the service.
So so sorry Sharon for your loss I know what your going through I just went through it myself Prayers for you and the family.
I am so saddened for the loss of Richard, a good man.
We have never seen a more accurate and fitting tribute to the life and character of a person. We feel thankful and very blessed that Richard and Sharon lived in out orbit if even for just a little while. We extend lots of love and prayers for peace and strength of faith.
Sharon, no words can express the sorrow we feel at the loss of this special nephew. We love you and will keep you in our hearts and prayers. Know that we are always here for you.
sending love to the family
I served on the KY State 4-H Teen Council with Richard. I can honestly say I can’t think of a more honest, helpful, hardworking Christian man. My heart hurts. Take a rest buddy – you’ve earned it.
What a lovely tribute to such an outstanding man!! I didn’t know him well, but I heard of the love and joy he brought to so many. God will truly welcome him with loving arms saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Sharon, my heart breaks for you and the kids. I’m so glad you’re home to get the love and support you need. God bless you all as you walk through this time in your life.
So sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with all the family.Sharon may God Bless you and your family ,and bring comfort to you all.
Great guy always fun to talk to at the barbershop sorry for your loss
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What a wonderful tribute and beautiful memories! Our hearts and prayers are with you all today and in the days to come.
Never met Richard, but I have known his wife Sharon for over 10 years now. One of my favorite person to work with and my son’s favorite teacher hands down. She is always cordial and made this African boy felt welcome at Barren County high school. I can only say I am sure Richard had those qualities as well. From the Nyekan Family, Sharon and family, you all are in our prayers!!!
Nancy and I are so sorry to know this. Richard and you all were very gracious and kind to me when I visited your dairy. His legacy is embedded in your hearts and my mind forever. ???? Nick and Nancy
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my childhood friend.I send my condolences to the family.Richard was one of the good guys and will be sorely missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I always thought well of Richard in high school.
I was so stunned to hear of Richard’s death. We were high school classmates, In FFA together, members of the same 4-H group, and we served on the 4-H State Teen Council together but most important of all we were friends. I hadn’t seen Richard since 1990’s class reunion but I still thought of him as a friend My heart breaks for you, Sharon as well as your family. Richard was always one of the good guys …..taken way too soon.Please know y’all are in my thoughts and prayers. May his memory be a Blessing.
My condolences to the family after hearing about his passing he will now forever live in our hearts and memories until day we are called from this life to the next. I remember meeting Richard when I was involved in 4h cattle shows in the 2 years I did it with the Russell farms and he was a good man to learn about anything agriculture related topics. You will be missed Richard til we meet again, my friend
Mattingly family, We are so sorry for your loss. Richard was a wonderful person. We will keep everyone in out prayers during this difficult time.
Barry and Faye Landrum
Richard was a classic. Always striving for excellence and working harder than anyone I have ever known…He will be greatly missed. Sharon and family, our prayers will be lifted up for you as you cherish the special moments and memories of a life well lived together.
To Sharon, Stephanie, Jonathan, Joan, and the rest of the family: I was grieved at hearing of the loss of Richard. I am so sorry. This just breaks my heart. I will keep you in my prayers for strength during this difficult time. Know that God had a “Well Done” waiting for Richard as he was welcomed Home. We will see them again in time. Blessings and know that I love you and yours.
I was lucky enough to serve with Richard as co-representatives from the Lincoln Trail Area on the Kentucky State 4-H Teen Council and attended UK at the same time. Listening to all the stories and comments about him at the Celebration of his Life today, confirmed to me that Richard was always true to himself. Some of the descriptions today could be copied and pasted to his life as the teenager I knew. Heaven has gained a great one that will be missed by many. He is probably asking if they need any help polishing the pearly gates because he always wants to help out. He maybe gone, but never forgotten.
Sharon, you and your family are in my prayers.
Thinking of your family during this difficult time. Prayers for comfort.