Manning Pattillo doesn’t consider himself a hero — but how many heroes do?
Does being 93 make him one? What about leading the commencement exercises every year at Oglethorpe University? Or being the former president of Oglethorpe? Or being a counselor to the current president, Larry Schall and students who seek his advice on his frequent campus visits?
Or being honored by the queen of England?
Or for never missing a meeting of the Atlanta Rotary Club for 40 years? Or nominating the first woman president of the club, Atlanta attorney Paula Lawton Bevington?
Or should he be called a hero for his nearly non-stop activity at the upscale Lenbrook retirement community in Buckhead, leading dancing, exercise and religious groups?
No, no, no, no, no, no and no, he says, laughing.
Pattillo says he deserves no plaudits for all he does. But many disagree, including Schall, who says he’s inspired by Pattillo, “who came at a time when the university had lost some of its commitment to be excellent.”
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LeadingAge Georgia, a non-profit formerly known as Aging Services of Georgia, sees him as special, too. That’s why it recently gave him a Positive Aging Image Award, which honors older folks who “make a difference in our community,” said Senior Vice President Jacque Thornton.
LeadingAge represents more than 127,000 elders via 170 not-for-profit and other mission-driven aging services organizations. His award, a “gift of legacy,” is for devoting his life to promoting wisdom and purposeful living.
“We’re passionate about reframing the image of aging, as well as, giving aging services providers a chance to celebrate the significant importance of this workforce,” Thornton said.
In his 13 years as Oglethorpe president (1975 to 1988), he inspired students and faculty alike, Schall said, and still does.
“He hasn’t slowed down and I don’t think he ever will,” said Bevington.
Pattillo said the key to successful aging is activity, exercise, thinking and participation in civic and non-profit organizations. He’s currently chairman of a group that promotes British-American relationships.
“Two years ago, I was appointed by Queen Elizabeth as a member of the Order of St. John, a chivalric organization associated with the Church of England,” he said. “It is considered a high honor to be appointed.”
He gives speeches and his hobby is dancing, and attends all soirees at Lenbrook — six a year.
“Being busy may be a secret of longevity,” he said.
A graduate of Sewanee-University of the South, he received a master’s and doctorate from the University of Chicago. The Virginia native has eight honorary doctorates. A World War II veteran, Pattillo retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
A widower, Pattillo has a son and daughter and six grandchildren who live out of state.
“I’m in good shape,” he says. “My cardiologist has assured me I’ll live until at least 100.”
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