A Century of Experiences: George Brumfield Celebrates His 100th Birthday
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George Brumfield has seen a lot in his 100 years of life, as he has done everything from serve in the military during World War II, to teaching music to grade school students, to serving the community as a beloved barber. On Saturday, November 16, Brumfield celebrated his 100th birthday, and reflected on his life.
“Well, I feel like I’m 15,” Brumfield remarked with a laugh when asked how it felt to celebrate a century of life.
Brumfield grew up in the area, but in a much different time. “I grew up with a lot of sisters – we didn’t stay inside like kids do today; we played outside. I would roam our land and throw rocks. I had a lot of sisters, so we would play hopscotch and [with] dolls,” he reminisced. “People seem to have a lot of differences now from back then. Everyone doesn’t get together like we used to. We knew our neighbors and visited them – no one does that anymore.”
Upon reaching high school, Brumfield continued to grow and learn from his family and neighbors about life; then, he entered the military service – he had not even finished high school. “I served for two years and 9 months, but they gave me credit for three years. I was 19 when I was drafted into the military. I was in the Navy, stationed in California after they defeated Hitler, and we were concerned with the Japanese,” he explained. “I was a steward mate, and we took care of the Americans, English, Russians – anyone that came in.”
He continued, “Then I went back and finished high school. I had to do two more years to graduate. It was a different world back then. The world has changed quite a bit over the last 90 years.”
Following high school, Brumfield earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Savannah State University. “I ordered a clarinet when I got out of the Navy, and I basically learned through the U.S. School of Music,” he reminisced. “But at Savannah State, I worked with a saxophone and learned about all of the other instruments.”
He utilized this degree as he worked as a middle school teacher and band director for a total of 21 years in several school systems, including Treutlen County Schools, Jeff Davis County Schools, and Vidalia City Schools. “I worked as a band director and taught 6th grade. I had to go to Fort Valley State University to get my certificate to be able to teach,” he added. “I taught Language Arts.”
After spending 21 years teaching, he worked at a battery company in a different area of the state. “I would come back home on the weekends,” he reminisced. “Then I got a job at the pants factory here and worked there for many years.”
Over the years, Brumfield found one of his favorite careers working parttime as a barber for 35 years, as people would come from all around to spend time at the shop and get a trim. “People liked my haircuts,” he reminisced.
This versatility in careers from teaching to industry work to cosmetology was easy for Brumfield, as he always had a desire to attempt new things. “I used to try to do other things. I wanted to be a salesman for a long time, and I could’ve been successful with it, but I didn’t stick with it,” he commented.
Brumfield found opportunities to branch out into new opportunities outside of his career. He was a devout Christian and served in leadership in his church after moving back to Vidalia. He first began as a teacher for the adult Sunday School class, then became the Superintendent of Sunday School, a deacon, and the church treasurer.
Ultimately, Brumfield said it was his faith that has taught him the best lessons in life. “After 100 years, I’ve done a lot of things. I haven’t always done the right thing, but God has carried me this far,” he emphasized. “My advice to people is to take [life] one day at a time. Get in touch with Jesus – He’ll lead you.”
Today, Brumfield continues to enjoy life. He makes sure to stay active with his family and friends, and enjoys playing scrabble and checkers. He was honored on Saturday, November 16, with a birthday party in Lyons to celebrate a century of life. During this party, Vidalia Police Chief James Jermon presented Brumfield with a plaque, thanking him for his service to the area.
Jermon commented on the honoree, saying, “His dedication to both his country and the arts has inspired generations, and today we honor a lifetime of service, leadership, and music. Thank you for all you’ve given to our community, Mr. Brumfield!”
Brumfield enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship as he celebrated this momentous occasion. He continues to make the most of every day, as he spends time with his family and friends, and shares wisdom with all who listen.
