FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The sirens and flashing lights were all for a grand celebration in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday aimed at marking the 100th birthday of Thomas Dowdy Jr.
“Two years ago he said, ‘I want to make it to 100′ and I said, ‘You could do it,’” said Dowdy’s daughter, Loretta Shorter.
Dowdy is well-known in the community.
He was drafted into the Army at 18 and served in World War II. He then had a successful 42-year career working for Winn-Dixie.
There’s been many other accomplishments along the way, but Dowdy has lived in the same home since 1951.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue took part in Wednesday’s special parade, further proof of how he means so much to so many people.
The sight of it all moved Dowdy to tears.
For those wondering what the secret to making it to 100 is, well, if you listen to Dowdy, it’s all about eating whatever you want.
He said he planned to do just that on the big day surrounded by the people he loves the most.
“I hope y’all get to be 100 years old and in good enough shape and sit down and eat a decent enough meal,” he said with a laugh. “Life is all about eating, all about eating.”