He was a sailor in the Navy when Byron Mabee met Doris Garrison, who was living at home in Sweet Home.
They were married in Albany in April 1951 when Coca Cola cost five cents and gasoline cost 23 cents per gallon.
The couple will celebrate its 50th anniversary with family and friends this month.
The Mabees have four daughters, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
In 1983, they returned to Sweet Home and purchased the Ridgeview Ranch where they raise red Angus cattle.