East Texas World War II veteran celebrating 100th birthday shares advice for long life

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – On May 19, East Texas World War II veteran Ray Rollins turned 100 years old. Monday afternoon, his family and friends celebrated with a celebration at Prestige Estates in Tyler.

Ray Rollins achieved the Rank of Sergeant T-4, US ARMY Signal Corps, in World War II. He joined ranks with only eight soldiers who traveled across all fronts and ultimately behind enemy lines to re-establish communication lines.

He returned to his home and attended Rensselaer Polytechnic College in Troy, New York, on what was the first ever VA Benefits package. He earned a degree in Engineering in 1950.

That same year, Rollins then met Doris Price and got married on September 2. They reside together today, having celebrated 73 wedding anniversaries, most recently at Prestige Estates.

At Monday’s celebration, Rollins received gifts including 100 birthday cards, a Texas flag that had been flown over the Capitol, and fun goodies from his alma mater.

“I guess the older you get, the more you look back and appreciate the way things have worked and you realize that the Lord has had a hand in things happening to you. So that’s been interesting to look back and think about the past.” said Rollins.

When it comes to his secret for living a while century, he said, “Do not smoke, do not drink too much, exercise, and get a wife to help with your nutrition.”

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