HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY Earla Willard Smith

Born: May 19, 1908, in North Jackson, where he has been a lifelong resident.He is the fourth of eight children of Mary Elva (Guiste) and Will Logan Smith.

Married: Sadie Adell Archer on Aug. 22, 1931. She died 671‚Ñ2 years later in 1998.

Children: One son, Elmer Willard Smith.

Descendants: Six grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 28 great-great-grandchildren.

Occupation: Operated The Farm in North Jackson as a working dairy farm that sold milk to Islay’s until 1932 and where beef cattle and horses are now raised.

Employment: Worked 22 years at RMI Titanium in Niles when titanium was processed for the second satellite and the Moon Buggy; retired in 1973.

Major interests: Has traveled extensively through every state except Alaska, and to Canada, Japan and Hawaii. He is deeply involved with 4-H youngsters and their families and with their participation in the Canfield Fair, which he attends on a daily basis during the event.

Upcoming: He will be the Grand Marshal of the North Jackson Fourth of July Parade.

Celebrations: He was honored May 17 at a birthday party in Pensacola, Fla. On June 14, hundreds of friends and relatives are expected to attend an open birthday party and family reunion in his honor, beginning at noon at The Farm, 10473 Gladstone Road, North Jackson. Guests are asked to take a covered dish or dessert to the event; meat, table settings and beverages will be provided.

Omit presents: Instead of presents, those attending the Mardi Gras-themed celebration are encouraged to take a balloon for a balloon release, or a 3x5-inch card with a favorite memory of the honoree, and pictures.