Bill and Marjorie Stocks of Morristown have had almost seven decades worth of Valentine’s Days together.

They met at church in the late 1930s and were wed about four years later, on Nov. 15, 1941. This year they will celebrate their 69th anniversary. Both say they have no regrets about spending so many years together.

There’s no big secret to being married so long, Marjorie said.

"We were just together and that was it," she said.

Bill agrees, and adds the best way to maintain a long marriage is simply to take it one day at a time. If there are any problems they can be worked out.

"Just grin and bear it," he said.

Being compatible is a big part of a long marriage, they both say.

"We both like the same things," Marjorie said.

Although Bill will turn 90 in March and Marjorie will be 90 in April, they still have a positive outlook on life, as the new roof on their home indicates. They chose one that is guaranteed for 35 years.

The couple grew up and lived in Wisconsin until about 21 years ago. Their son-in-law was transferred to Morristown and Bill and Marjorie moved south in April 1989 to be closer to the family. Bill owned a construction company and Marjorie worked as a bank teller.

Bill was also a volunteer fireman in the town of Wales, where they lived. When the couple arrived in Morristown he wasn’t ready to forget that calling and joined the West Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department. He no longer goes out on fire calls, but is a trustee for the department and spends several hours a week there doing maintenance and other work.

Marjorie said she prefers to take life easy most of the time and she has assistance twice a week with the housework. Bill likes to stay busy and still takes care of the yard.

"I can’t sit. I’ve got to be doing something," he said.

His life in construction is still evident on a smaller scale. He builds birdhouses and feeders in his home workshop. Some of his handiwork is also on view as yard art in front of their home. The bird feeders pay off in providing enjoyment when the birds come to eat.

"I love to watch the birds. I’ve got some beautiful cardinals here," he said.

Marjorie has a special love of wind chimes. Nine of them hang from the eave of the front porch. Most of them were gifts from their daughter and son-in-law, who travel and bring back wind chimes for her from places they have been.

Bill was a cook in the U.S. Army during World War II. After 18 weeks of training, he was sent to Korea, taking a month to get there on a ship and four weeks to return following the war.

He still likes to cook, especially baked items.

"I bake pies, cakes, bread," he said

They have two daughters, one son, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They say life together has been good for them and they look for it to continue that way.