Services for the Citizen of the Century in Cullman, Alabama have been set.
Visitation for Roy Drinkard will be Thursday, August 27 in Drinkard’s famous home, the Borkenau, 405 9th SW in Cullman. Everyone is invited for a 2 to 6 p.m. receiving line.
The funeral will be on Friday, August 28 at 1 p.m. in the Tom Drake Coliseum, 801 College Drive in Hanceville. A graveside service will follow at Cullman City Cemetery.
Having the visitation in his historic home is appropriate. When Drinkard turned 105, a birthday party was held for him in the Borkenau and hundreds – maybe thousands – came through to wish him well. Thursday, they will come again for the last time.
Cullman businessman Roy Drinkard died Sunday night in Cullman at age 106. Among his other accomplishments, Drinkard was the oldest living U.S. Marine. Semper fi.
The Cullman community enabled Roy Drinkard, and at 106, he had never forgotten his roots.
Drinkard was born July 12, 1920, in Falkville in nearby Morgan County. His father was a businessman and served as mayor for 20 years. The fruit did not fall far from the tree.
After his discharge from the Marines, Drinkard moved to Marshall County and entered the funeral home business. He felt it was a dead-end business and left. His family sold the funeral business.
Drinkard moved to Cullman in 1949. He was a partner in Drinkard Pontiac-GMC from May 1949 to May 1955, then became owner and operator of Drinkard Chevrolet Company until 1974, when he turned it over to his son-in-law, Mitch Smith.
Over the next half century, businessman and civic leader Drinkard earned the distinction of “Outstanding Citizen of the Century,” named by The Cullman Times. In 1953-54, he served as chair of the board of directors of the Cullman Chamber. That was just the beginning.
Roy Drinkard was more than a centenarian. He was a beloved local figure, a veteran, and one of Alabama’s most respected businessmen. Known for his sharp mind, strong handshake, and enduring patriotism, Drinkard had played a vital role in shaping Cullman’s business and civic landscape for decades.
106 difference-making years. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler is a freelance writer about the colorful and positive in Alabama — her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
