WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It’s not every year you celebrate you 100th birthday, but today Billy Rhodes did just that.
“I don’t even think about being 100, I think about getting old,” Rhodes said. “You know one thing follows another and I’m glad to be here.”
Rhodes celebrated reaching the triple digit mark in style. Born on April 20, 1916, Rhodes said the secret to reaching a century is living right and having faith.
“Belonging to the church and attending and going, it makes all the difference in the world,” Rhodes said.
In fact, one of his church friends was the one behind today’s surprise party.
“He was part of one of my Sunday school classes and he was always humorous about his birthdays,” Claude Allison said.
Allison said it was great to be able to celebrate with his buddy today.
“If I ever get to be 100 I hope I get to be like him,” Allison said.
There was even a special music guest at the party. The Cape Fear Chordsmen said performing at events like Rhodes’ party is a unique experience.
“It’s just something special. Not many people get to say they’ve hit their hundredth birthday, so I hope to achieve that one day,” Jim Boyd said.
As for Rhodes his big plans for his 100th year include playing a round of golf and making par.