By Staff
Senior Living
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights Atmore native Gordon Everette, 74. Everette works four days a week at the Atmore Police Department in maintenance. He enjoys keeping up his yard and doing his "honey-do" list for his wife, Jettie.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born on Nov. 28, 1932 on Jack Springs Road in Atmore.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: My parents were Jesse Earl and Georgia Mae Turberville Everette. They were from Finchburg in North Monroe County.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: Yes, I am the youngest of nine children. Four are deceased. They have died in their birth order, Ouida, Joe, Georgia Mae, whose nickname was Bob, and Willard. Alma Miles, Smith, J. E. Jr. and Grover Everette are still living.
Q: Where did you attend high school and college?
A: I went to Escambia County High School. I was in the National Guard and our unit was mobilized during the Korean War when I was a senior in high school. I finished high school after I married. I have had some college at Pensacola Junior College and Jefferson Davis, but I did not graduate.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: We have traveled extensively within the United States. When we retired from the State of Alabama in 1998, we took a month-long trip out west in our travel trailer. We have also been to Canada and on a cruise to Nassau in the Bahamas. I would love to go to Alaska before I die.
Q: What jobs have you held?
A: I worked at Monsanta for 31 years. I worked for the State of Alabama for 11 and a half years. I was a computer operator at Fountain Prison. Now I work at the Police Department.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: I married when I was very young. That marriage did not work out. I married Jettie in 1958. We will celebrate our 49th anniversary in August.
Q: Do you have any children or grandchildren?
A: We have four children. My son, Mike, is deceased. Susan Fischer lives in Bentonville, Ariz., Melanie Whitaker lives in Acworth, Ga. and Gene Everette lives in Daphne. The one in Daphne we see often but the other two we don't. We have six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. We have another great-grandchild expected in October.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: My wife and I are very active in First Baptist Church. I serve on several committees there. I sang in the choir until I became deaf.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: I work four hours a day at the Atmore Police Department in maintenance. I do yard work for my sister and brother and keep up our own yard, which is about half an acre. My wife has lots of honey-do jobs for me. My wife and I volunteer at the John McClure Snook Center in Daphne, it is a center for people who have Alzheimer's. She plays the piano and I lead music. I am also president of the Woodmen of the World, the fraternal organization.
Q: What's your favorite TV show?
A: I love old Westerns. We watch "Wheel of Fortune" every night.
Q: What do you think is the most interesting thing about yourself?
A: I am a "Mr. Fix-it." I can repair almost anything. I am a 14-gallon blood donor. I have had cancer, therefore I cannot donate blood for three more years, but when I can, I will continue to donate as long as I live.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: Keep busy and to stay active. To serve the Lord and trust Him for guidance. And to be happy!
(If you would like to recommend a senior to be spotlighted please contact Adrienne McKenzie at 368-2123 or e-mail her at lifestyles@atmoreadvance.com)