Last weekend we traveled south to celebrate my Granddaddy's 100th birthday! It was a wonderful celebration and I am so glad we could be there. The boys endured another 15+ hours in the car over a 3 day weekend and did great!
A little background on my Granddaddy...
-he was born May 10, 1913 in south Georgia
-he studied at UGA and majored in Math and Latin.
-his senior year at UGA cost $350. (he still has a great memory!)
-he was Assistant Principal, then Principal of Dalton High then Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools
-he has been a member of the Rotary club since 1941 - 72 years! (and still goes most Tuesdays!)
-he is very active in his local Habitat for Humanity and has been on the board since 1987
-he was married to my sweet grandmother for 60+ years until she passed away in 2009
-he has a son and a daughter (my mom)...6 grandchildren...and 6 great-grandchildren
-you can read more about him
here and
here
My mom and her friends planned a party to celebrate Granddaddy. It was on Saturday afternoon at his church from 2-4. At 1:45 there was a line to see him! We think there were close to 400 at the party. That is quite a crowd to celebrate 100... I met the Homecoming Queen of 1955 that my Granddaddy crowned! I also enjoyed a story from man who said my Granddaddy gave him that extra chance that turned his life around. And another that talked of my Granddaddy always being able to get his attention which he claims was pretty tough to do. What an honor to be there and meet so many that love my granddaddy!
Here are some pics of the big day:
Not too often you get to shop for 100 napkins!
Mom had a couple of tables set up with old year-books and pictures...
My mom in one of her high-school year books...
And my Granddaddy...
This is how I know my Granddaddy...I am pretty sure this was taken on a golf course somewhere. While he doesn't get to play anymore...there is a golf tournament named after him and he was able to shoot his age many times before he had to retire his clubs.
This picture means a lot to me. We went out to check to see if Granddaddy had arrived yet...and this is what we found. This is the Associate Pastor of the church waiting at the curb to help Granddaddy into the party with a wheelchair. No one asked him to do this...yet it was so thoughtful and helpful.
These are some of my mom's closest friends from high school working in the kitchen. They took turns serving and making sure everything went smoothly at the party. They helped with my wedding too. Give this crew a party and they will take care of it!
Here is Granddaddy arriving for the big party!
This is my uncle saying a few words...then he turned the mic over to the Mayor who made a proclamation and declared May 10 Charlie Bowen Day! The Mayor used to be Granddaddy's student. Here is what he had to say about Granddaddy...
“There are some people that lead by an overwhelming personality,” he explained, “... and then some people are just quiet leaders. ... When he speaks, everybody listens, and he’s not a loud, exciting type person, but he’s just a very reserved, quiet, dignified leader.”
It wouldn't be a birthday without candles right???
My mom's friends and Granddaddy. They call themselves the Squad. Which means I am a Squadling. It is a tight knit group and I so thankful they all have each other!
Our boys made cards for Granddaddy...and they did some pretty entertaining Happy Birthday singing too.
Most of my family...I have 5 cousins on my mom's side...and they are expanding with significant others and little ones. Always a treat to see this crew!
My mom, uncle, and Granddaddy.
Check out the stack of cards he got at the party! And he had a stack at his house that should help keep the post office afloat for the month!
It was Mother's Day weekend and I am glad I got a good pic with my mom. She worked so hard on this party...lost many hours sleep...thought of every detail...and it was a huge success! She is such a selfless woman...so thankful to call her mom.
It was a wonderful day...looking forward to 101!
For those of you that want to see even MORE pictures...follow this link:
