William Townsend Drury

At Drury’s Pharmacy, the customer was always right, and customer service was warm and friendly. William “T” Drury, pharmacist and owner of the Chickasaw drugstore, ensured it. Many of the folks living in the area grew up spinning on the soda fountain stools, enjoying a fountain “co-cola” or a nickel ice cream cone. Often, customers with ailments would come to see “Doc” before they sought a doctor. He would “fix them up” or “mix them up” an ointment or salve on the spot. There were no business hours for his customers who needed him, even for film on Christmas Day. William Townsend Drury, 90, died August 28, due to complications from a fall. Mr. Drury was born in Flomaton, AL, and moved with his family to Mobile when he was 6. He was a graduate of Murphy High School, where he was a basketball standout. He earned a basketball scholarship to Springhill College, playing until his graduation in 1942. He then joined his 2 brothers in serving his country in WW2. He was a proud member of the US Air Force, flying as navigator on the B24’s in Pacific. After the war, Mr. Drury entered pharmacy school at the University of Mississippi, graduating in 1950. In 1953, he bought an existing drug store in Chickasaw, renamed it “Drury’s Pharmacy and set up shop. He moved his young family to Chickasaw and immediately became an integral part of the community and his beloved church, Chickasaw First Baptist. He served his church as Chairman of Deacons, sang tenor in the choir, and taught Sunday school for 30 years. He was on the board of directors on American National Bank, chairman and board member of the Chickasaw Housing Authority, Chamber of Commerce, Mobile Pharmaceutical Society, and was named “Chickasaw Citizen of the Year”. “Mr. T” loved his Lord, his family, his friends and customers, and his Ole Miss Rebels. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Libby; his brothers, Rufus and Edwin; and sisters, Frances Harris and Mary Sulya. He is survived by his son, Bill and wife Elaine of Gainesville, GA; daughter, Karen Howell of Marietta, GA; granddaughter, Emily Drury of Atlanta, GA; grandson, Randy Drury and wife Charity, of Alpharetta, GA; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Grace, and Faith Drury, of Alpharetta, GA; nieces, nephews, and many friends. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Chickasaw on Saturday, September 4, 2010, at 10am, with interment to follow in Mobile Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends and family at Radney Funeral Home in Saraland on Friday, September 3, from 6-8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chickasaw First Baptist Church, The Alzheimer’s Association, or Vista Care Hospice, Marietta, GA. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 1200 Industrial Parkway, Saraland, Alabama 36571.