Tennessee's oldest postmaster dies at 88

James R. Spence, 88, of Fosterville, who served as postmaster in Normandy, died Tuesday morning at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville. Spence was the oldest serving postmaster in Tennessee and the fifth oldest in the United States, according to Beth Barnett, communications manager for the U.S. Postal Service in Tennessee.

"I spoke with him over the years," said Barnett, "and was amazed at his many activities (in addition to his postal duties) that he shared. He always had a terrific attitude every time we spoke and, as cliché as it sounds, was truly an inspiration to all of us at the Post Office. He will be missed."

Spence was a 43-year veteran of the Postal Service, serving for 20 years at the Normandy post office. He was a World War II veteran who served in the Phillippines and was a softball umpire for over 40 years.

"Mr. Spence was just one wonderful old gentleman," said Normandy Mayor Larry Nee. "He always had a kind word for anybody that walked in the Post Office. He still did a wonderful job up until his last day of work."

Funeral services will be Friday morning at Fosterville Church of Christ, where Spence was a member and former elder. Complete obituary information appears on page 2A of today's Times-Gazette.