By Staff
Marion Albritton enjoys watching old western films
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights 83-year-old Marion Albritton. Albritton has a large family, with six children, 26 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He loves to watch any old Cowboy film with John Wayne in it.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born in Atmore April 17, 1924. I lived here most of my life. I’ve been away a couple of times, but I always come back.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: Marion H. Albritton Sr. and Julia V. Barlow Albritton. They were from Atmore.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: I did have seven sisters. I was the only boy. Four have passed away, I have three living, one lives in Poarch and the other two live in Florida.
Q: Where did you attend high school and college?
A: I finished high school in Walnut Hill, Fla. Then the war came and got me. I was in the Army, I was a cook and a baker.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: No, not anymore.
Q: What jobs have you held?
A: The military caught me out of high school for three years. I’ve farmed some with my father. Then I went to work in the shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. for about four years. I came back and went to work at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile. I was the warehouse manager, shipping clerk. Then, they closed and I went to work with Escambia County, Fla., Road Operations. I was a truck driver to begin with and then I started working with heavy equipment. That’s where I retired from in 1989. As soon as I turned 65, I retired.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: Yes, I married while in the Army.
Q: Do you have any children or grandchildren?
A: I have six children, five boys and one girl. They are scattered everywhere. Ronnie, the oldest, lives around here. Lloyd is in Colorado. Phillip is in Atlanta, Ga. Greg is in Evergreen. Avis is in Brewton. And, Susan is in Pensacola, Fla.
I have about 26 grandkids and about 15 great grandchildren.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: Latter-Day Saints Church in Atmore. I’m the Sunday school president.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: My recliner mostly. I don’t do too much anymore, but keep up the house and yard since I live by myself. My vision won’t let me drive anymore.
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: Bill O’Reilly and Fox News at night. I watch professional bull riding on the weekends. I used to like to rope calves, I used to like to rodeo. I also watch a lot of cowboy movies.
Q: Did you ever have animals?
A: I had horses, goats and all kinds of animals. I don’t anymore because I live right in town.
Q: What’s your favorite cowboy movie?
A: Anything with John Wayne.
Q: Do you come to the Poarch SAIL Center often?
A: I come out here a lot. I get along with the people out here well. Now since I can’t drive, the people come and pick me up. It’s nice to know people care about you.
Q: Have you ever gone on any of the Poarch SAIL Center trips?
A: Yes, I went a couple of times to Cherokee, N.C. with them.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: To get regular hours and regular sleep. Early to bed and early to rise is a good motto. And, don’t drink whiskey.
(If you would like to recommend a senior to be spotlighted please contact Adrienne McKenzie at 368-2123 or e-mail her at lifestyles@atmoreadvance.com)