Spence retiring from chaplaincy

Sam Spence, who has been the chaplain at Lone Star Park since the track opened in 1997, said last month that he would be retiring on Aug. 1. He is 86.

Spence served as executive director of the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America for six years in the 1980s and later was the chaplain at the now-shuttered Trinity Meadows near Ft. Worth, Texas. He is an ordained minister and has authored several books on the topic of faith, some against the backdrop of racing.

“I grew up in the horse business,” Spence said. “My dad was an old cowboy and horse trainer, so this was just a natural for me. It hasn’t really been work. It’s really been a joy sharing the Lord with folks and His tremendous love that He has for each of us.”

Spence said there were a few reasons for his retirement.

“I just felt like it was time,” he said. “I felt like the Lord told me He had a lot for me to do yet, but to go ahead and step down from the chaplaincy.”

Spence plans to remain in Texas.

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