On June 1, Percy and his wife Florence celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary — and were certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-married living couple.
They also held the title for “oldest married couple’s aggregate age” at a combined 205 years. On celebrating their 80th, they told reporters the secret to a long marriage is to never go to sleep with an unresolved argument, and to kiss before going to bed. Plus, Flo added, hold hands while drifting off to sleep.
The couple has three children, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Percy died June 15 at home in Hereford, England, with Flo by his side, no doubt holding his hand. He was 105.
Update: Florence died 11 April 2007.