Tennessee couple married for more than 70 years dies 9 hours apart in their longtime home

LEBANON, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) — A Tennessee couple who had been married for more than 70 years died last Thursday just nine hours apart at their longtime home.

John and Alice Trice took their final breaths at the home they shared for 60 years.

Family members said John Trice died around 1 p.m. last Thursday, and his wife followed just nine hours later.

“You never said one name and didn’t think of the other,” Angela, their daughter, said. “Truly, one of them would not have wanted to live without the other, and they didn’t have to.”

John and Alice Trice took their final breaths just nine hours apart.(Trice family via WSMV)

A love story that started at a square dance

John Trice was born in Lebanon and lived there for his entire 93 years. Alice Trice grew up in Mt. Juliet.

“They actually met at a Green Hill’s club at a square dance,” Angela said.

That square dance led to more than 70 years of marriage.

Angela said her parents are the epitome of what it means to grow old with someone. Family and friends said they were not surprised the couple died so close together, as they were inseparable.

Wilson County Fair founders

John and Alice Trice were integral in starting the Wilson County Fair in 1979. John Trice served as the first president of the fair, and Alice Trice started the flower show that continues today.

“It was his love. I mean everything about this county. He truly wanted to make it a better place, and I believe they both left it better than they found it,” Angela said.

The fair named a road after John Trice. His road sign stands at the front of the fairgrounds as visitors drive toward Fiddler’s Grove and the agricultural sites.

“They were a great example of a couple that was heavily involved in their community and gave back in every way possible,” Randall Clemons, the current fair president, said.

Clemons said the fair will continue honoring John and Alice Trice by focusing on what they loved most — agriculture and bringing people together.

When asked if her parents ever shared the secret to a love like theirs, Angela said her father had simple advice.

“You know, dad used to say put God first and then be there for each other,” she said.

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