[IMAGE]177[/IMAGE]LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Spence Holder, who held the Arkansas state pupil transportation director role for 12 years and served as president of key industry groups, died Sunday at age 66.

Holder spent his entire career in public education. After serving as principal at two schools in Arkansas for nearly 20 years, he joined the state Department of Education in 1984. There, he was promoted to the transportation director position in 1988 and served in it until his retirement in 2000.

In the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), Holder served as president in 1996 and ’97. He was also president of the Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference in 1994.

“Spence was a friend, colleague and mentor to many of us,” NASDPTS President Charlie Hood said in an e-mail to members. “[He] was the consummate gentleman and professional, having a keen sense of humor, respect for others, and a firm, unwavering commitment to school bus safety.”

Hood also noted that Holder was “instrumental in the growth and ongoing success of the Arkansas School Bus Mechanics Association, which remains known as one of the strongest technician training groups in the country.”

For Holder’s obituary and information on his funeral arrangements, click here.