Meeting friends at the Maplesville Senior Center is part of Isabella resident Raymond Oden’s daily routine, but he was surprised to find them poised to honor him Tuesday.

More than 30 of Oden’s friends and family members gathered at the center to celebrate his 98th birthday with fellowship, music and refreshments.

“This is all a surprise to me,” Oden said as he looked around the crowded room bedecked with party decorations.

One by one, people walked up to Oden to congratulate him on his long life.

“I can’t believe I’m so much older than everybody,” Oden said, chuckling. “Oh, I’m proud of it.”

Oden was born in Chilton County on Aug. 19, 1916.

He graduated from Isabella High School in 1936.

Oden said he was a farmer for about seven years and eventually went to work for a life insurance company for 26 years.

He retired in April 1980.

He and his wife Gladys were married nearly 75 years before she passed away at age 92.

Three of the couple’s seven children were able to attend his party Tuesday.

“It’s a great thing,” Oden’s daughter Pat Meigs said of the celebration. “He’s in pretty good shape for his age, and his memory is pretty good.”

Christine Sexton, Meigs’ sister, said their father is still active and independent.

“He cooks his own breakfast and washes his clothes,” Sexton said. “He’s very active for his age. He’s not one to sit. He’s always worked hard all his life.”

Oden is a deacon at his church, Mulberry Baptist Church, where he also served as a Sunday School teacher for many years.

He voluntarily cuts the grass at Isabella Methodist Church.

Oden said he enjoys being with his children and their families.

“There’s a crowd of us when we get together,” he said.

As the oldest of five generations in his family, Oden credited “hard work and right living” for carrying him through 98 years.

When a friend asked Oden how he was on Tuesday, Oden replied, “I’m still around.”

During the party, Carrie Howard sang and Jessie Andrews played the piano.

Guests joined in to sing “Happy Birthday” to Oden.

Chocolate cake, chips and dip, punch and other refreshments were served.

Before the party ended, Oden stood up from his chair and recited Psalm 23.

Maplesville Senior Center manager Faye Hightower thanked everyone for coming and said, “Mr. Oden, we love you, and we’re proud of you.”