Mayor presents certificate recognizing 107th birthday of local resident Tommy Carter

Breedsville — The mayor presented a certificate of recognition to Tommy Carter on the occasion of his 107th birthday, calling it "both an honor and a privilege" to extend the city’s congratulations.

The mayor read a formal citation that said Carter was born Jan. 21, 1919, and "turned 107 years old 01/21/2026," adding that he is "believed to be the oldest living person in Reedsville and Rockingham County." The citation, read aloud by the mayor, noted Carter’s volunteer nursing during World War II, his work at the American Tobacco Company, and long-standing participation in the Reedsville Christian Church and several local clubs.

Carter responded with gratitude and recollections about his life. He said he moved to the area as a young person, remembered working in Maryland, and described the community as welcoming. Asked about the secret to a long life, Carter said he looks before acting and learns from mistakes, adding with a laugh, "I'm 107 ... I ain't going yet." The mayor and others offered belated birthday wishes during the ceremony, which the mayor said took place in February 2026.

The event was ceremonial; no formal votes or policy actions were recorded. The citation credited Carter’s decades of community involvement and fundraising, including a reference to his role selling pecans for local organizations and playing on a company softball team earlier in life.

The presentation highlighted a local recognition of senior residents and community history; there were no further agenda items or decisions announced following the ceremony.