ETAMU Alum Celebrates 101st Birthday

East Texas A&M University alum J.B. McNatt celebrated his 101st birthday on April 18, 2025. A recent article from The Herald Banner in Greenville, Texas, shared details about his life and achievements over the past century.

The article says that McNatt is a World War II veteran, rancher and businessman. Greenville Mayor Jerry Ransom recognized McNatt's milestone by presenting him with a framed American flag and proclaiming his birthday as J.B. McNatt Day. This honor acknowledges McNatt's contributions to his community, his service to the country and his many achievements.

McNatt was born in Hunt County, Texas, near Merrit and grew up on a 126-acre cotton farm about eight miles northwest of Greenville. Despite his hard work on the farm, he pursued an education. McNatt graduated high school early in 1941 and then studied agriculture at East Texas State Teachers College (now East Texas A&M). His education was interrupted when he turned 18 and enlisted in the U.S. military to serve during World War II. After the war, McNatt completed his bachelor's degree from East Texas State Teachers College in 1947 and earned his master's degree at Sam Houston State University.

Although McNatt did not pursue a career in teaching, he taught agriculture to veterans for a little while. He then spent the next 50 years selling cars, eventually owning J.B. McNatt Auto on Wesley Street in Greenville for 23 years. His wife, Libby, suggested that it was time for him to return to farming as he was getting older. McNatt was married to Libby for 72 years until her passing in November 2015.

McNatt is a respected and admired member of Greenville ISD's annual Veterans Day program as the only World War II veteran in attendance.

McNatt remains humble and proud of his accomplishments.

“I'm thankful for being able to serve with the United States Air Corps, and if they called me back, I'd go again,” McNatt said.

Read the full article on Yahoo News.

Featured photo credits: Travis Hairgrove, Herald Banner.