Rene Lord, WWII Veteran, celebrates 101 years

World War II U.S. Army veteran Rene Lord, who celebrated his 101st birthday on March 21, holds a photo from 1946 of the ship he came back to the United States on after the war was over. March 28, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Amid a community birthday party that featured 101 cupcakes, Rene M. Lord was asked what he likes best about being 101 years old. “It’s better than being 100!’’ he quipped.

Lord, a World War II veteran, was the center of attention at a celebration in his honor March 21 at the Springs RV Resort in Silver Springs where he lives. The event was orchestrated by the park’s veterans’ group, and more than 100 people attended, including Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant, who addressed the attendees.

Lord attributed his long life to “good living,’’ and he must be onto something. He said he was told by his doctor after a recent routine checkup that his health is good and he need not return for another year.

Along with the cupcakes, which he “liked very much,” he also received 101 birthday cards, each of which held a $1 bill. His daughter-in-law, Linda Lord, said he looked at all the cards for two days.

Reber (Butch) Skiles, who, with his wife, lives next door to Lord, heads up the veterans group in the park. Skiles said he believes Lord is the oldest person who has ever called the park home.

In a tribute to Lord’s military service, the attendees sang ”The Star-Spangled Banner’’ and said the Pledge of Allegiance, which Lord enjoyed very much.

Lord served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. His service took him to many locations in the European Theater of Operations, including England, France, Belgium and North Africa. He earned a sharpshooter’s medal during his time in the military.

Lord’s son Ray shared a favorite wartime story he heard from his father. Africa was very hot, and Lord, who drove a truck, came up with a clever way to beat the heat. Being a mechanic, Lord took the air-conditioning unit out of an unused ambulance and installed it in his truck. Everybody wanted to ride with him whenever they could.

After serving in the Army, Lord graduated from an engineering trade school and subsequently was employed with Pratt & Whitney as an airport engineer. “It was the only job he ever had,” according to Ray. “He retired from there.”

Lord was born at home in Massachusetts, and graduated from high school there, but spent most of his life in Connecticut. When Lord’s wife of 70 years, Frances, passed away eight years ago, Ray went to Connecticut and brought his father back to live with his family in Silver Springs. Lord said he loves the Florida weather and is happy being with his family.

He is the father of five, two boys and three girls. One of his sons has passed away. He has 13 grandchildren, spread out between Connecticut and Florida.

Lord’s favorite pastime is watching Western movies on television. In previous years, he liked to golf and bowl, and loved to put jigsaw puzzles together. He also collected stamps and coins.

The veteran’s group at the park is very active in the community, Skiles said, regularly gathering items for the Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans organization as well as sponsoring an annual fundraiser, with proceeds going to the Ritz Veterans Village shelter for homeless veterans in Ocala and the Veterans Helping Veterans group.