WWII veteran from Ga. celebrates 100th birthday
A World War II veteran from Georgia is celebrating his 100th birthday on Friday.
Wilbur Cross III was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on August 17, 1918. He grew up in Hamden, Connecticut, where his grandfather served as the 71st Governor of Connecticut for four terms.
Cross graduated from Kent School in 1937 and Yale University in 1941. Upon graduation, he served in the Army for two tours in World War II. He completed his service as Captain in the 581st Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion in 1946, according to his daughter.
Cross went on to work as a photographer and editor for Time/Life and spent many years in advertising. He's published more than 50 books and hundreds of articles.
Cross married his wife, Esther, on May 2, 1953. Together they had four daughters and four grandchildren. They were married for 58 years.
He now lives at Dogwood Forest in Acworth, and his daughter, Jennifer, lives nearby on Lake Allatoona. Cross loves sitting on the porch at the lake and watching sailboat races.
His family attributes his longevity to being physically active and having a wonderful outlook on life.
"Dad has always maintained his wicked sense of humor, and is almost always in good spirits," Jennifer Cross said. "He is truly a legend!"