Friday, April 19, 2024
On Feb. 1, 1975, a tradition that would last for 48 years began following the marriage of Gatesville couple Ed and Eileen Stacy.
The couple were married at the Antioch Baptist Church in New Hope, Tennessee. Following their wedding ceremony, the newlyweds started out for their honeymoon in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Along the way, they stopped to eat at a McDonald’s, where Ed ordered a Quarter Pounder with cheese, fries, and a Dr Pepper. Eileen ordered a Big Mac, fries, and a chocolate shake. Little did they realize that this would become an anniversary tradition that would continue for years to come.
Later in their marriage, even when they were apart from each other when Ed had to make business trips, on their anniversary Ed would find a McDonald’s to eat at, ordering the same meal, and Eileen would do the same back home. Even though they were sometimes apart, they chose to carry on their tradition.
Upon hearing their story, the manager at a local McDonald’s where they were living in Bay City, treated the couple to a free meal. The couple resided in Bay City for 23 years before moving to Gatesville three years ago to be near their two daughters and two grandchildren.
They began to visit the Gatesville Senior Center for meals and activities that the center offers. The director of the center, Pam Rudolph, and Camilla Edge, the nutrition supervisor, heard the story of the Stacys’ tradition and decided to do something special for them at the Senior Center. They contacted Grace Hudson at the H-E-B bakery, and she created a cake in the exact image of a Big Mac, fries, and a shake to surprise the couple.
Due to the recent ice storm, the surprise came a few days late after their actual anniversary. The couple were very surprised by the cake and the recognition of their annual anniversary tradition. They were also approached by the manager at the Gatesville McDonald’s who offered them a free meal in honor of their anniversary.
Reflecting on their wedding and marriage, Eileen Stacy said “God didn’t give me the man of my dreams, but gave me the man of my needs.” In two years, the couple will celebrate their 50th anniversary — and chances are, it will be at the Gatesville McDonald’s.
