Jerold Brantley doesn’t like for folks to make over him. So don’t.

Just come to his 100th birthday celebation from 2 until 4 p.m. today at Banks Baptist Church and pretend it’s like any other warm, early June day.

The birthday celebration is being hosted by Brantley’s family in love and appreciation for all that he has meant to them over the years.

Brantley was born and raised in Pike County. He was a hard-working farmer and had a pig parlor that had no equal.

He has an amazing mind that is filled with history, science and politics. He readily shares his knowledge and his opinions, wanted or not, and always has a story to tell.

Brantley is one of the true “characters” of our times.

Wilda Steele, Banks town councilmember, has known Brantley all her life – then, “who hasn’t?”

“Jerold is one of a kind,” she said. “There’s not another one like him and won’t ever be. He’s a real character.”

Steele is “one generation down from Brantley” and remembers him as being very generous to “youngsters.”

“He owned a store in town and, as children, we’d go over there and he would give us a Co-cola and that was real special to us” she said. “He still drives and comes to the store now if he can slip away from his wife.”

Steele said she expects a big crowd for Brantley’s 100th birthday celebration.

“There was a big crowd for his 90th and I expect there’ll be an even bigger crowd for this one,” she said and added that if folks want to stick around a while, they’ll probably hear some vinage Jerold Brantley stories.”

Everyone is invited to come share this milestone birthday with Brantley and his family. Just don’t make a fuss over him.