Roy Henry Drinkard, WWII veteran and businessman, dies at 106

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has ordered flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Roy Henry Drinkard, a World War II Marine and prominent businessman who passed away at age 106.

Born in Falkville in 1920, Drinkard served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific during World War II and was recognized as America’s oldest living Marine at the time of his death. Following his military service, he became a significant figure in Alabama business, founding Drinkard Chevrolet and Drinkard Development LLC, which expanded into five states.

Drinkard was also a dedicated civic leader, serving as a trustee for Troy University for 25 years and as chairman of the Cullman Industrial Development Board. Funeral services are scheduled to include a visitation at his historic home, the Borkenau, followed by a funeral at the Tom Drake Coliseum.