The end of World War II was over 80 years ago, and the number of Americans who served during the war is starting to number fewer and fewer. August 23, 2026, was a milestone for that dwindling number of veterans, as Roy Drinkard, World War II veteran and oldest living Marine passed away at the age of 106.
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Born on July 12, 1920 in Falkville, Ala., Drinkard’s father was a businessman who also served as the town’s mayor for 20 years. Young Roy attended St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman, Ala. before enlisting in the Marine Corps during World War II.
After returning from the Pacific, Drinkard operated a funeral home and started car dealerships in Alabama. Exercising his business prowess, Drinkard expanded beyond cars to develop and manage shopping centers, theaters, medical complexes, and even apartments from Ohio to Louisiana.
In 1981, Drinkard was recognized as Kmart’s leading developer. The next year, Kroger recognized him as their leading developer.
For nearly 30 years, Drinkard served as the chairman of the cullman Industrial Development Board. He helped to recruit companies to the area and drove the region’s employment and economic growth.
Outside of business, Drinkard was a proponent of education. He donated land for Cullman County Schools educational facilities and helped raise thousands of dollars for college scholarships.
In 2000, then-Gov. Don Siegelman appointed Drinkard to the Troy University Board of Trustees. He was reappointed twice, one final time by Gov. Kay Ivey in 2020.
“Mr. Roy was a proud Marine and an inspiration to all who knew him—devoted to his family, his faith and the preservation of freedom,” said Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. in a statement. “As a World War II veteran and America’s oldest living Marine, he embodied the truth that freedom is not free. As a beloved member of the Troy University Board of Trustees, his leadership was instrumental in the growth and development of this institution. He will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all Trojans. May our dear friend rest in peace.”
In 2019, “The Cullman Times” recognized Drinkard as Distinguished Citizen of the Century. Through the Marine Corps and Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, Drinkard engaged with local youth to teach them to be responsible and effective leaders, with an emphasis on service.
“Roy was part of a generation of Americans who understood service as a responsibility. As a young man, he served as a United States Marine during World War II, including service in the Pacific,” Alabama Rep. Robert Aderholt said in a statement. “That commitment to service continued throughout the rest of his life, whether it was through his work in business, his efforts to bring brew jobs and opportunities to North Alabama, his support for education, or the many ways he helped people throughout his community.”
Drinkard’s long life of service left a positive impact on his community and country.
Semper Fi.
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