George
Mabry
Reflects on 100 years
By Kelly Wheeler
George Mabry with his daughter Tammie and great-granddaughter Addison .
While most people have spent 2020
dwelling on the difficulties the year has bestowed upon us , George Alton Mabry was very thankful for one monumental moment that took place on Nov . 9 , 2020 . He lived to celebrate 100 years and reflect over the past century — taking a look at the difficulties of yesterday , whether it was fighting in World War II , anticipating the return of a brother who was captured by the Japanese , or going through the loss of his wife , the love of his life .
One thing remains the same — all of these events shaped him into the person he is today and gave him the strength to live in a world that has morphed tremendously over the past 100 years .
“ People often ask me , ‘ What is your secret to living so long ?’” Mabry said . “ My answer is always the same . It ’ s God . My faith in God is strong and always will be . God has blessed me in so many ways , including in my long life of 100 years . I will always give Him the credit for that . I know when he is ready for me , He will take me and I will be reunited with my wife , Opal , and will be forever in his presence to live and praise Him for eternity .” Taking a few minutes to reflect on how his life has changed in the past 100 years , Mabry ’ s mind went back to childhood .
Born in Gold Ridge to Lillie Sides Mabry and John David Mabry , George is the only sibling left of five brothers and sisters : Vernus Astor Mabry , Bernus Laster Mabry , Gwyn Mabry Smith , Wayne Mabry and Henry H . Mabry .
His family moved from Gold Ridge to Pearsall , Texas , in 1927 and Mabry went to Pearsall High School .
“ One of the most memorable moments in my life is when I voted for the first time in 1941 and I voted for Franklin D . Roosevelt ,” he said .
CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE SPRING 2021 | 9