William "Bill" C. Ellzey recently celebrated a momentous birthday — his 104th — at the Jacksonville senior living community where he lives.
At Brookdale Southside, theWorld War II veteran attributed his longevity to "hard work" and maintaining his mental and physical health.
How did it feel to turn 104?
"Well, been there and done that," Ellzey said.
His advice to others?
"Trust and obey," he said.
Born in 1922,Ellzey was in the U.S. Navy for 20 yearsas a medic, serving his last tour on the USS Forrestal. Also, he was a courier at the Pentagon for seven years, traveled the world many times over and once wrote a 485-page book on this life called "Cold Winter Rain."
The father of three said he spends his life at Brookdale "going with the flow," as well
as singing and playing bridge.
In honor of his birthday, the community hosted a special birthday celebration with his son Max and granddaughter Carolyn, associates, a trumpet player and some surprises.
Beth Reese Cravey has been a reporter for The Florida Times-Union for 45 years, currently specializing in nonprofits and health. She can be reached at bcravey@jacksonville.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: 'Trust and Obey': Veteran marks 104th birthday with advice on living
