Americus couple Ross and Isabelle Gatlin celebrating 70 years

AMERICUS — In an era of rising divorce rates and multiple marriages, one Southwest Georgia couple is bucking the trend.

Ross and Isabelle Gatlin, a couple with Albany roots now residing in Americus, are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary today.

United in marriage at First Presbyterian Church of Albany by the Rev. Jack Hand on March 21, 1945, Isabelle Smith Gatlin is a native of Albany, and her husband is from Gulfport, Miss. They have three children, Charlie Gatlin of Forsyth, Peggy Rice of Winter Haven, Fla. and Cindy Edwards of Montezuma — a family that has extended to several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The couple met in 1944 when Ross Gatlin was training at Turner Air Force Base. Commissioned as a pilot, he went overseas to serve as a B-29 pilot in the South Pacific during World War II shortly after the wedding and remained there for 13 months. He spent some time in the reserves while both husband and wife sought an education from the University of Tennessee before eventually transferring to the University of Georgia.

She received a degree in Home Economics, he got a degree in Forestry — both graduating with honors. He worked with the forestry service before coming back to Albany to try his hand at real estate. He found a job with Federal Savings and Loan, eventually transferring to Atlanta before retiring in Florida.

“We lived in Florida for 12 years in various places,” Ross Gatlin said. “In May of 2013 we sold our home in Albany and moved to Americus.

“My wife had a series of falls. She’s living in a nursing home, and I’m in a (nearby) retirement community.”

While her husband was building his career, Isabelle Gatlin went back to school and worked as a librarian. She also proved to be talented with a needle and thread.

“She was a very good seamtress,” her spouse said. “She made children’s clothes and won local contests (with) the Albany Women’s Club.

“She is a very talented girl.”

Even though they are living apart now, the Gatlins still see each other twice a day — morning and afternoon.

“I’m still in love with my wife and she is with me,” Ross Gatlin said.

In order for all three of the couple’s children to attend, the family held an early celebration last month. The party included a cake with the original wedding photo scanned on top, and some reminiscing. Their son brought his guitar and sang songs including “Look at Us” by Vince Gill, “The Dance” by Garth Brooks as well as one of the family’s favorite church songs, “How Great Thou Art.”

“It is very special. Not many people have a 70-year anniversary,” said Edwards.

Edwards quipped that her father’s secret to a happy marriage were the two words: “Yes, dear.”

“Trust, and love,” he said. “We are still on good terms.”