90’s Club

The 90’s club, as you can guess, is a real exclusive club that many never get to join, so we can honor those that have achieved this age. When you reach this age your membership will be considered.

Randolph Levi McMichael

Randolph Levi McMichael, age 90, born in 1918, is a Jasper County product. His father was John Henry McMichael and his mother Norma Jinks McMichael. Randolph was born on a farm in the Gladesville section of the Jasper County, one of seven children including Arthur, Myrtice, Chester, O.B., Griff and Marvin (Red).

Randolph’s first job was in 1935 working on the Piedmont Homestead Project as a laborer. You may note that this was right after the Great Depression and jobs were hard to find. From here he went to work for WPA on odd jobs throughout the county. Next he got a job hauling logs and then a job at Evan Jordan’s filling station.

Later he got a job at Lynch Lumberyard on the same location as Jasper County Lumber Co. but the main office was on the opposite end of the lot. Nat Walker and Percy Pope bought into the new business with Travis Lynch, the former owner. He stayed there 49 years before retirement.

Randolph’s first wife, Helen Benton, died quite young and they had two children. Later he married “Hoppie” Boyd Tuggle who had three children. Together they raised five children, including Randy, Tony, Jim, Sue and Alf who provided them with nine grandchildren and three great- grandchildren.

Randolph is one of the best woodworkers and cabinet men in the county, training under Travis Lynch and W.O. McElhaney, two of the best. He is still very active and works in his shop behind their house on Persons Street. You may want to call him at 468-6591 and congratulate him as a club member.

Mildred McElheney Kelly

Mildred McElheney Kelly, age 93, was born in 1915 in the Glades area of Jasper County. Her parents were Homer and Myrtle McElheney. Mildred was one of nine children including Earl, Sara, Mildred, Howell, Carolyn, Wilbur, Nell, Billie Jean and Richard.

Mildred attended the Jasper County Public Schools and in 1935 married Erbin Wesley Kelly. They first set up housekeeping on the Maurice Clay place in the Glades. During World War II the family moved to Cincinatti, Ohio where Wesley was employed as a machinist. They lived in Ohio seven years and then returned to Jasper County where Wesley later became a local gunsmith.

Mildred and Wesley had three sons, Gene, Champ and Charles. The boys were all good athletes in high school and have since done well in life. They have provided Mildred with eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Wesley died in 1987.

Mildred is now recuperating at home with a broken arm that happened after a fall in her apartment. Ursula, a neighbor and friend, helps her out some. Mildred has always been very active and even at this age has a garden behind her apartment on Post Road and would work it regularly if people would leave her alone.

This is a very close and attentive family and they all love Mildred.

Give her a call and congratulate her.