By: Heather Graf
PARSONS, Tenn. - A 91-year-old in Decatur County says he's found the secret to staying young.
Believe it or not, it has nothing to do with rest and relaxation.
Instead, Ralph Smith says it is long hours and physical labor.
"Life means more here than at home," he said. "I probably would only live a year or two if I sat down at the house and did nothing, didn't get any exercise."
Instead, he goes to work every day at the family business: Smitty's Body Shop. That's where he works side-by-side with his son, 68-year-old Willie Smith.
"I'm the third generation here," said Willie. "In 1940, this place was my grandfather's. And he raised my dad here, and my dad raised me here."
The shop opened in 1921, the very same year that Ralph was born.
"We've done something right, we're still here!" said Willie.
Their working relationship has also earned them some very loyal customers in Parsons.
"Well for one, they are kinda like an institution here," said customer Martha Gail. "And they do a good job."
When we asked Ralph Smith, who prefers to be called Smitty, whether he's ever considered retiring, he didn't hesitate before saying no.
"We've had a big time," he said. "I've enjoyed it."
That work ethic carried him through decades at the shop, when he used to work all night long to make sure his customer's cars were ready right when he promised.
"He wants to be here," Willie said. "He's been here all of his life, so I guess he's a permanent fixture."
Willie says he, too, has no plans to retire any time soon.
Hard work apparently isn't Ralph's only secret to staying young.
He also takes a spoonful of barley green each morning, and each evening he does push-ups.
email: hgraf@newschannel5.com
