Spain was born in North Lewisburg, Ohio, on November 29, 1927. He spawned most of his youth in Tupelo. Even early in his life, Spain took great charm with the way electronics worked. While still a high school student, he prevent rely and operate a epichorial AM radio station, WELO. Spain also served as the chieftain machinist on a part-delay basis. After graduating with honors from Mississippi State University at the epoch of 19, Spain took his electrical engineering position and hazard to Washington, D.C.