Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry and Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs stand with World War II veteran and recipient of the Key to the City of Cullman Roy Drinkard.

One of Cullman’s most influential citizens and World War II veteran received a special honor from the City of Cullman on Friday night. 

Roy Drinkard was honored for his service to his country and for the work that he has done for Cullman, and was presented with a key to the city by Mayor Woody Jacobs in a ceremony on First Avenue SW. 

Drinkard, 97, is a veteran of World War II and is the oldest living United States Marine. After his service in the Marine Corps, Drinkard moved back to Cullman and served on many foundations and boards. He was also responsible for bringing new industries into the area while acting as president and CEO of Drinkard Development. 

In a proclamation to present the key, Jacobs reminded the gathered crowd of some of the work that Drinkard has done for the community over the last several decades. 

“We are grateful for all that Roy Drinkard has done, and continues to do, for Cullman, and we are proud to join him in a special celebration honoring him for his service to our community and his valiant service to our country,” Jacobs said. “It is not a key to any lock, but the key to the hearts of the citizens of Cullman County.” 

Dennis Berse, the owner of Rennards Gallery on 1st Avenue, said he and other business owners on the street wanted to do more to honor local veterans, and chose Drinkard to receive the special honor. 

“He’s done so much for the community,” Berse said. “He’s been a very integral part of developing Cullman.” 

During the ceremony, Berse also presented Drinkard with a Certificate of Appreciation from Gov. Kay Ivey in recognition of his work. 

“He’s one of these people that kind of flies under the radar, but he’s well, well known and he does a lot of philanthropic community things for us,” he said. 

At the ceremony, Drinkard kept his remarks brief, but made sure to express his feelings for his community and the people who reside within it. 

“I always tell the people of Cullman, Cullman County and surrounding areas, I love you. I love you very much,” he said. “I’m proud to be an American, I’m proud to be an Alabamian and I’m proud to be from Cullman County.”