SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – William Eddie Miller lives by a simple routine: early to bed, early to rise.
The Korean War veteran is celebrating his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends, and his daughters say his schedule hasn’t changed much with age -- in bed by 7 p.m. and up before 6 a.m. But Miller says the bigger key to his longevity has been staying grounded in faith, staying active, and treating people with love.
“Well, like I tell all of the young folks, number one, just keep on living and serving the Lord,” Miller said.
Miller was born in 1926 in a small town outside of Memphis, Tennessee, where he grew up working on a farm.
“They started me to work when I was 6 years old in the cotton fields,” he said.
In 1950, Miller moved to Detroit looking for opportunity.
“It was a lot of work going on here. So, I came here to better my living condition,” he said.
Not long after arriving in Michigan, Miller was called into military service, eventually serving on the front lines during the Korean War and earning three battle stars.
“Slept in bunkers. And from there the fox hole,” he recalled.
Those memories -- both difficult and defining -- are part of the life story Miller has been sharing as he marks a century of living.
Family members describe Miller as a faith-rooted father and great-grandfather who remains active. He continues to walk daily, volunteers through community service, and keeps up with friends through regular meet-ups at local restaurants.
“I really believe, if you give service and love and treat people right, and try to live according to God’s will He will keep you here for a reason,” Miller said.
Miller also enjoys singing and isn’t shy about making people laugh.
“I do a little clowning,” he said -- even breaking out a few signature dance moves to put smiles on faces.
And yes, he still drives -- just not every day.
“Maybe once or twice a week,” Miller said, adding that if he were taking someone along for a ride, he’d head to one of his favorite restaurants.
As he celebrates his 100th birthday, Miller said his philosophy is simple: keep running your personal race with faith, family and love.
“If you live so God can use you, I think it’s pleasing to Him. He’ll keep you on this earth a little longer,” he said.
Miller also had a message for anyone hoping to live a long, healthy life: don’t worry too much.
He said worrying “will poison you.”
And, he added, smile more -- because a smile can take you a long way.
Miller’s family and friends are hosting a large 100th birthday celebration Friday in his honor.