100-Year-Old Oklahoma Veteran Shares About Life, Legacy

A Green Country Veteran turns 100 years young on Wednesday!

100-year-old Ray Perkins says initially, he didn't have many pictures of himself. What he had was a scrapbook filled with decades of small snippets from his life. Ray says living 100 years isn't too hard.

"Nothing special. Just eat fairly well," said Perkins.

His age comes with 100 years of memories.

"I was born in Pittsburg, Kansas and raised in Parsons, Kansas," said Perkins.

100 years of lessons.

"I was a kid that didn't study and now I regret it," said Perkins. "All my friends are dead, all my classmates but me are dead, all the military people I knew are dead except one," said Perkins.

Ray served 4 years in the military. He worked all kinds of jobs, but of all his memories, he had the most to say about life after he retired.

"Sapulpa First Presbyterian Church," said Perkins.

That is where Ray says he started a Soup Kitchen.

"I started volunteering with the church because I didn't have enough money to give to them," said Perkins.

So, he gave his time years of it.

"Helping other people just kind of helps me," said Perkins.

He still has a letter from the 90's written by a mother, thanking Ray for the money he raised for her son- who was fighting Leukemia.

"That card just tears me apart every time I read it," said Perkins.

All these years later, he still talks to her.

Ray spends his days beating people right and left at dominos and having breakfast with his friends.

"A quilt of valor....they came out and presented me with a quilt and it is beautiful, and it is all because of Ray," said Andrew Peterson, Ray's Friend.

"He is a very giving person, a great friend, and a great dominos player!" said Fred Jostes laughing.

"Are you excited for all of your birthday parties?" asked News On 6 Reporter, Sawyer Buccy.

"Oh yes!" said Perkins, "I have never had anything this big!"