Dapper as ever in a three-piece suit, wearing a crown fit for a king, the oldest living man in the U.S., Shelby Harris, celebrated his 111th birthday on Saturday.
Surrounded by friends and family, Mr Harris - 'Uncle Shelby' to those who adore him - marked the rare milestone at the Rock Island Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Illinois.
Offering a pearl of wisdom to those seeking a long and happy life, he said the secret is simply loving others.
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Major milestone: Shelby Harris celebrated his 111th birthday on Saturday, surrounded by friends and family
Loved ones gathered at the nursing home for the celebration, which saw the Men's Choir from Second Baptist in Rock Island perform several gospel songs and, of course, a rendition of Happy Birthday.
Overcome with emotion, Mr Harris, who has outlived two wives and three daughters, had tears in his eyes as the day unfolded, with many paying tribute to the man they admire.
Guests were treated to a banquet of his favourite foods: catfish, collard greens, hush puppies, coleslaw, corn-on-the-cob and sweet potato pie, Quad City reports.
Later, a birthday cake decorated with red roses was served, with an incredible three candles marking the centenarian's years.
King for the day: Mr Harris is wheeled out to his birthday celebration by caretakers at the Rock Island Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Illinois
Loved: Known affectionately as 'Uncle Shelby' to many of those in attendance, Mr Harris had tears in his eyes as friends and family celebrated his long life
Blowing out the candles: Guests lunched on a banquet of Mr Shelby's favourite foods, and of course, birthday cake
The secret to living so long and happily, he said, was simple, WQAD reports.
'One of the greatest things in the world is to love people and believe in people,' said Mr Harris.
'I just try to live from day to day; I try to live the right kind of life. I try to live the truth. I love everybody and I want everybody to love me.'
Born March 31, 1901 in southern Indiana, Mr Harris first worked as a coal miner before moving to Quad Cities in 1942.
He enlisted in the Army during World War II and later took a job with the former Union Malleable in East Moline, Illinois - later known as John Deere.
Mr Harris served as deacon of Second Baptist until he was 102 years old and moved to the Rock Island nursing home when he was 105.
Quad City reports he is a great-great-great-great grandfather; his youngest grandson is aged 57.
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Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2124259/Shelby-Harris-Oldest-living-man-U-S-turns-111-reveals-secret-long-life.html#ixzz1r043Vgo4Dapper as ever in a three-piece suit, wearing a crown fit for a king, the oldest living man in the U.S., Shelby Harris, celebrated his 111th birthday on Saturday.
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