Centenarians to be grand marshals in Grantville parade
By W. WINSTON SKINNER
winston@newnan.com
When the parade for the Grantville Day Crosstie Festival steps off Saturday afternoon, there will be 200 years of experience and wisdom in the grand marshals.
Thomas A. Glanton and Daiszell Lakes McCambry are both Grantville residents, and both have celebrated their 100th birthdays. The two will share grand marshal honors for the parade.
The parade is part of a series of events for the Crosstie Festival, which this year pays tribute to veterans from all military branches and all wars – with a special observance of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
The festival runs 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The day includes family-oriented events with arts and crafts, games, rides, raffles and a wide selection of food.
Glanton was a principal in Grantville for years. The local elementary school and the city offices complex located in the former school building where he served for years are both named for him.
Glanton served in World War II before beginning a 35-year career in education He began teaching in 1933 at the same school he once attended and retired in 1972.
When Glanton Elementary School was named for him in 2008, the longtime educator chuckled over a friend telling him he would be a "centurion" when he turned 100 years old.
"Well, I was a gladiator once," Glanton said. "I had a great grandfather who lived to be 113. I don't want to live that long. Living is getting, but life is giving."
At the school naming ceremony, Glanton said he was "reaping the fruits of my labor today." He added, "I can stand here today and say God has been good to me."
McCambry also has a positive outlook as she passes the century mark. "I'm still able to put two on the floor," she said. "I have had a good life."
She had a loving husband, the late Clarence L. McCambry Sr. To that union, four children were born: the late Mrs. Mozelle Williams, the late Clarence McCambry Jr., Mrs. Vernia Arnold and Ed McCambry. In addition, she has 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
McCambry's health is still good. She uses Tylenol for arthritis but takes no prescription medications. McCambry enjoys traveling with her family, doing the Circle Word Puzzle books and reading her Bible.
Her favorite foods are collard greens, string beans, chicken wings and sweet potato pie.
Mrs. McCambry is a member of John Wesley United Methodist Church and a life member of The Order of The Eastern Star - Prince Hall Affiliation. She was a representative of Avon for 30 years. She also worked as a school lunchroom dietitian at Grantville-Brown, Central and Newnan High Schools, retiring from Newnan High.
