CULLMAN– Roy Henry Drinkard, recognized as the nation’s oldest living U.S. Marine, died Sunday at 106. The World War II veteran also spent decades shaping Cullman through business, education, and civic leadership.

Drinkard’s family confirmed his death to The Cullman Tribune late Sunday night. He had celebrated his 106th birthday July 12.

A Marine for Life

According to Troy University, Drinkard was born July 12, 1920, in Falkville. He later attended St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman.

Drinkard joined the Marine Corps during World War II and completed his service as a private first class. His wartime duty included service in the Pacific, Rep. Robert Aderholt said Monday.

Drinkard continued supporting Marines long after returning home. After a 2015 attack on military personnel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he acted to protect service members closer to home.

Marine Corps Times reported that Drinkard paid $33,000 to install level-four ballistic glass at Cullman’s military recruiting office. The office occupied a commercial property he owned.

In explaining his decision, Drinkard said the Chattanooga attack should not have happened “certainly not on our watch.”

The Cullman Veterans Hall of Fame inducted Drinkard in 2025. Later that year, Troy University honored him with the Great American Hero Award and the Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award.

Drinkard responded to those honors with characteristic humility.

“I feel unworthy of this attention,” he said. “There are so many other people who are deserving.”

During a 2025 celebration of Drinkard’s 105th birthday, Aderholt presented him with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Aderholt also entered a tribute to Drinkard into the Congressional Record.

The Cullman postmaster presented Drinkard with a special set of U.S. Marine Corps stamps.

Building Cullman After the War

After World War II, Drinkard operated a funeral home in Guntersville for several years. In 1949, he returned to Cullman and became a partner in Drinkard Pontiac-GMC.

He opened Drinkard Chevrolet Company in 1955 and operated the dealership until 1974.

Meanwhile, Drinkard also worked to expand Cullman’s economy. As the last surviving member of the Flying Fifty, he joined other civic leaders in recruiting industry and investment.

For nearly 30 years, Drinkard chaired the Cullman Industrial Development Board. During that period, the board helped recruit companies including King Edward Cigar, Bendix-Westinghouse, Americold, and National Screw.

Later, Drinkard founded Drinkard Development. The company developed and managed shopping centers, theaters, medical complexes, apartments, and other commercial properties across the Southeast.

His projects reached communities throughout Alabama and several other states. In his statement, Aderholt noted that Drinkard developed the new movie theater in Albertville.

Drinkard also invested in education. Then-Gov. Don Siegelman appointed him to the Troy University Board of Trustees in April 2000.

Drinkard received two later appointments, including one from Gov. Kay Ivey in 2020. In addition, he donated land for educational facilities and helped raise thousands of dollars for college scholarships.

A Life of Service Remembered

On Monday, Aderholt described Drinkard as part of a generation that viewed service as a responsibility.

“As a young man, he served our nation as a United States Marine during World War II, including service in the Pacific,” Aderholt said.

That commitment continued through Drinkard’s work in business, education, economic development, and philanthropy, Aderholt said.

“His list of accomplishments is long, but those accomplishments are not what I will remember most about Roy,” Aderholt said. “Roy was a good man, a man of faith and a good friend.”

Aderholt also remembered Drinkard as a welcoming man who took a genuine interest in others.

“Even at 106, Roy remained an extraordinary representative of the United States Marine Corps and of the World War II generation,” Aderholt said.

Finally, Aderholt said he and his wife, Caroline, were praying for Drinkard’s family and others mourning his death.

“Roy, while we are sad at your passing, we take comfort in knowing you are now celebrating in the presence of the Lord,” Aderholt said. “You lived a life of service to your country, your community and your fellow man, and you will be greatly missed.”