One hundred years is a long time. If you’re Comer Rudeseal of Habersham County, it’s a lifetime.
The 99 year old World War II veteran will celebrate his first century tomorrow, Saturday, June 20, during a birthday party at Hazel Creek Baptist Church in Mt. Airy.
Rudeseal has been a member of the church his whole life. He’s still actively involved, leading singing on Wednesday nights and even performing an occasional duet. The Hazel Creek congregation began throwing birthday parties for him five years ago. “Every year he says ‘Well this might be my last one,'” says church member Deborah Wright. Wright is Rudeseal’s niece by marriage. She describes her uncle as “greatly loved” and says the church wants to make his centennial celebration a big one. “We just wanted to honor him for all he has done,” she says.
The community is invited to join in the celebration. Friends and family will gather at 2:45 p.m. tomorrow at the Hazel Creek Baptist Church Family Life Center in Mt. Airy. The church is located on Hazel Creek Road between Highway 197 South and GA 365.
