You have likely heard a lot of talk in the news lately about the United States Postal Service (USPS), which is an independent establishment of the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government. Despite the varying opinions and impressions of the USPS, it has always been, and continues to be, a revered and well-regarded institution in the minds of its fellow Americans. Their mission statement: “The Postal Service shall have as its basic function the obligation to provide postal services to bind the Nation together through the personal, educational, literary, and business correspondence of the people. It shall provide prompt, reliable, and efficient services to patrons in all areas and shall render postal services to all communities.” You may be more familiar with their long-held unofficial motto: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” which is chiseled in gray granite over the entrance to the New York City Post Office. In summary, these dedicated couriers deliver for you. They always have, and always will.

Now, I take great pleasure in introducing our Maynardville Postmaster, Mr. Brad Griffey. Griffey has served as postmaster in Maynardville for the last year and a half. Following in his father’s footsteps, he began working part-time for the post office right out of high school. It is a lengthy process to go from a part-time or substitute carrier to having your own route, but in Griffey’s opinion, well worth it. He is very proud to serve his community in that role as the United States Postal Service has been a mainstay in the community since its first established post office in 1902. Griffey proudly speaks of the postal service, stating that they are a public service that goes through your neighborhood every day, and he is “tickled” to be a part of this organization. To those considering a career with the post office, Griffey heartily recommends it. He says, “It is one of the best jobs you can have; it is a great place to work and you get to be a part of the red, white, and blue!” As for training, education, or skills needed, he advises that a background in business administration would be helpful.

A native of East Tennessee, Griffey was raised on a farm in Corryton and graduated from Gibbs High School. After high school, he obtained a degree in Mortuary Science from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. As he was working his way up to a full-time position with the postal service, he also worked as a mortician at Griffey-Gentry Funeral Home, owned by his uncle. Once he obtained the position of city carrier, he left the funeral home to focus on his career with the postal service.

Griffey’s occupation with the Post Office isn’t his only role in the community. He also serves on the Union County School Board representing Luttrell and has been for approximately 12 years. When his friend, Mark DeVault, who he describes as a great man, informed him that he was not going to run for re-election, he encouraged Griffey to run, mentioning “all the good that can be accomplished in this role” and Griffey has served on the board ever since.

When asked what he attributes to his success, he enthusiastically replied, “The Good Lord! He lets me do what I do and has put good people in my life to help me along the way.” When not fulfilling duties in the public servant roles he holds, Griffey says you will find him participating in worship, other church functions, or perhaps deer hunting when it’s in season. During the course of our conversation, it became readily apparent that his highest priority is his relationship with God, and then service to others in the name of Jesus Christ. Griffey is a member of Willow Springs Baptist Church. His favorite quote is “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15, NKJV). Griffey’s hope for his community is that “People will keep the Lord first and let Him be their guide, and that crime and drugs would go away.” His goal is simply to be the best person that he can be and to help anybody he can.

It is fitting that Griffey was drawn to roles that serve the community, which is definitely what any role with the USPS is—from entry-level positions all the way to the top of the ladder the USPS is here for us. A beautiful inscription—based on “The Letter,” a poem written by Charles W. Eliot, former Harvard University President—found on the Smithsonian Institution’s National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C. reads:

Messenger of Sympathy and Love
Servant of Parted Friends
Consoler of the Lonely
Bond of the Scattered Family
Enlarger of the Common Life

Carrier of News and Knowledge
Instrument of Trade and Industry
Promoter of Mutual Acquaintance
Of Peace and Goodwill Among Men and Nations

The Maynardville post office is open Monday-Friday 8:30-11 a.m. and 12-4p.m., and Saturday 8:30-11 a.m. Please drop by to see how your friendly neighborhood postmaster and his staff can help you.