George Topper celebrates an early 100th birthday celebration Friday, April 10, at Ariel Point of Sachse, surrounded by family and friends. Pictured with Topper are, from left, his daughter, Jodie Ellzey, granddaughter Stacy Clark and son-in-law John Ellzey.\u00a0 Sonia Duggan\/The Sachse News<\/p>\n
For nearly a century, George Topper has built a life rooted in faith, family and service \u2014 a legacy celebrated recently with an early 100th birthday party at Ariel Point of Sachse.<\/p>\n
Topper, who will turn 100 on April 27, was surrounded by fellow residents, family members and staff during the gathering organized by Independent Living Activities Director Tammy Hoye. Among those attending were his daughter and son-in-law, Jodie and John Ellzey, and granddaughter Stacy Clark, who joined in honoring his century-long life<\/p>\n
Born in 1926, Topper\u2019s legacy is reflected in a growing family. He is the father of one, grandfather of two, great-grandfather of five and great-great-grandfather of two \u2014 a family tree that continues to grow.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s one of the most wonderful people,\u201d Jodie Ellzey said. \u201cEverybody says how wonderful he is, how sweet and how caring. He\u2019s been a fantastic father and grandfather.\u201d<\/p>\n
Topper spent decades in ministry, serving as a United Methodist minister at multiple churches for more than 30 years before continuing his work visiting homebound members for nearly three decades after retirement. Even now, he remains active in his faith, leading prayers for fellow residents and driving to church every Sunday, where he teaches a Sunday school class made up mostly of senior citizens.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe always leads our veteran\u2019s prayer and does our National Day of Prayer at the flagpole,\u201d Hoye added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That commitment to staying active extends beyond his spiritual life. Hoye said Topper participates in daily exercise classes, walks the community regularly and plays cornhole twice a week.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s one heck of a cornhole player,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Topper moved to Ariel Point in 2021 after living independently for years following the death of his wife in 2008. The couple had been married 62 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cClara and I had such a great life together,\u201d Topper told attendees during the celebration.<\/p>\n
The party itself reflected both his personality and life story. Guests enjoyed small cans of A&W root beer \u2014 now his celebratory drink of choice on rare occasions \u2014 despite an earlier career delivering Dr Pepper and later working for Coca-Cola, along with candy and cupcakes. A display table featured photos capturing decades of memories.<\/p>\n
Hoye also distributed small bottles of mustard seeds as \u201cGeorge\u2019s Gift,\u201d referencing the Bible verse Matthew 17:20, \u201cFaith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains,\u201d which was printed on his special birthday bulletin.<\/p>\n
After guests sang \u201cHappy Birthday,\u201d Topper offered a simple but heartfelt response.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m almost speechless,\u201d he joked.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on his life, Topper said it has been shaped by both challenges and blessings.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was raised in a pretty good home, and my mother and father took good care of us,\u201d he said. \u201cThere have been some rough spots, but it\u2019s been a good life.\u201d<\/p>\n