Cullman Honors Roy Drinkard, A Marine Veteran Who Spent Life Serving Others

 Roy Henry Drinkard’s remarkable journey ended on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at age 106, leaving behind more than a century of memories, achievements, and relationships. In Cullman, Alabama, his name became connected not only with businesses and leadership but with a rare ability to make people feel valued, remembered, and welcomed throughout generations.

Born July 12, 1920, in Falkville, Alabama, Roy grew up in a family shaped by business and public service. His early years included delivering newspapers at age nine, attending St. Bernard Preparatory School, and later graduating from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science before serving honorably in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. That military service remained one of his proudest lifelong identities, and he carried the lessons of discipline, duty, and commitment throughout every chapter that followed. His Marine service remained a source of pride throughout his life.

After returning from the war, Roy continued the Drinkard family tradition in funeral service before expanding into other fields. He worked as a funeral director and mortician, operated a funeral home in Guntersville, and eventually helped grow the family business across North Alabama. His work required compassion, patience, and understanding during families’ most difficult moments, qualities that remained central to his personality throughout his long life. Those experiences shaped the character people admired.

In 1949, Roy returned to Cullman and began building the community connections that would define his future. He purchased the historic Borkenau, created lasting family traditions there, entered the automobile business through Drinkard Pontiac-GMC, and later established Drinkard Chevrolet Company. Though cars and deals were part of his career, his family often said people were what truly interested him, because conversations and friendships mattered most. He became known for remembering names and details that made interactions feel genuine.

Roy later created Drinkard Development, becoming widely recognized for commercial real estate and shopping-center projects throughout the Southeast. His developments brought national retailers and businesses to communities across multiple states, while his partnerships earned recognition as leading developers for Kmart and Kroger. Yet he viewed every project as a chance to build relationships rather than simply properties, and employees often became part of his extended family. His vision helped transform local commerce while creating opportunities for many communities across the region.

Beyond business success, Roy devoted decades to civic service and community growth. He was part of the Flying Fifty, helped attract industry after World War II, served nearly three decades with the Cullman Industrial Development Board, and contributed to organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and Wallace State Community College. Education and opportunity remained causes close to his heart, and he worked to create possibilities for future generations. Many employees considered their connection with Roy a lifelong relationship built on trust and respect.

Roy’s influence reached far beyond official titles and awards. He served Troy University for more than 25 years, loved its students and football program, and received numerous honors recognizing his leadership. Still, those closest to him remembered his fishing trips, family gatherings, New Orleans visits, storytelling, and the weekly Pawpaw’s Night traditions that kept generations connected. Those simple moments often revealed the warmth behind his public achievements. His commitment reflected a belief that strong communities grow when people invest in one another.

The greatest measure of Roy Drinkard’s life was not the buildings he developed or honors he collected, but the people who surrounded him. He believed friendships could become gifts passed from one generation to another. As Cullman remembers a Marine, businessman, mentor, and friend, his lasting legacy remains the love and connection he created with countless lives.