15-02-2025
Arkansas World War II veteran turns 102-years-old on Valentine's Day
MAUMELLE, Ark. – Still moving and driving past 100 years old, a World War II veteran is spending his birthday on Valentine's Day making more memories.
William Cureton lives in Maumelle and was born in 1923 in Little Rock on Valentine's Day. He said despite his age he still has a special birthday wish.
'Just to go on as long as I can and to be happy,' Cureton said.
Maumelle World War II veteran turns 102 years old
Cureton added he can still get up and move around but his favorite thing he can still do is drive his convertible.
'I like to get out and see how the rest of the world lives,' he said.
His daughter, Denise Whitwell, says how amazed she is by her father.
'We have fun, we laugh, it's just so special to have him be the man he is. I'm lucky,' Whitwell said.
Cureton says how he has memories to last a lifetime.
'My very first job I delivered telegrams,' Cureton said. 'My last job was with the veteran's administration for 30 years.'
Cureton notes he was drafted into World War II in 1942.
'It was great to serve. I was scared to death.' Cureton said. 'I chose this Navy, but I also chose communications.'
While he was serving, he says he will forever remember his time in Guam in 1945 when the atomic bombs were used against Japan.
'They dropped the bombs from Guam on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we didn't even know about it until we got the news ourselves,' Cureton said.
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Cureton has lived through major world events like the space race and the rise of the computer, However, he says one of the best events he has had in his life was meeting the love of his life.
'My wife Betty, when I first met her she was so sweet,' he said.
He said they were together for 72 years until she died last year. They built a family of two kids, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren who he said all get along very well.
With his birthday on the day of love, he says it only makes it sweeter.
'It's very special, I always liked it,' Cureton said.
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But he has always kept his forever Valentine in his heart.
'When I leave this world I hope to be reunited with my sweetheart.,' Cureton said.
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