William Elvis Smith
Turned 108 on March 30
DAYTON — William Elvis Smith lives life on his terms as he has for more than a century.
“I asked him when we first met, what his secret to a long life was and he said ‘breathing,’ ” said Kevin Kauffman, administrator of the Sanctuary at Wilmington Place.
The Kentucky native, who has called the Miami Valley home since 1944, celebrated his 108th birthday on March 30. He celebrated with family, friends and some special guests including Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell and Cincinnati Reds mascot Mr. Redlegs at the Sanctuary in Dayton. It was after all, a special birthday as Smith is likely the oldest man in the state.
“Unfortunately, Ohio is one of the states that does not track its oldest living people,” Kauffman said. “But, given his age, I’m confident he is the oldest.”
Smith had a valid diver’s license until he was 102 and lived independently in his Kettering home until last year when he moved into the assisted living facility at 107 years old.
He was born March 30, 1902, in Rockport, Ky..
Smith, who worked in the coal mines, the railroad and machine shops, among other professions, continues to live relatively independently.
He spends time with his family as his three children all live in the area. Bill, 80, lives in Miami Twp., while daughter Marion, 84, and son, Robert, 76, both live in Huber Heights.
He also has three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
His wife of 70 years, Lilian, died in 1994 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Smith is hard of hearing and stubbornly refuses to wear his hearing aids and he uses a wheelchair for increased mobility but his overall health is good. But he has no secrets to a long life – no special diet, no super vitamins.
“I live just like anybody else,” Smith said. “I eat anything I want. And what I don’t like, I don’t eat.”
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