ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) —A local World War II veteran celebrated his 100th birthday on the golf course Tuesday, spending the day doing what he has loved for decades.

At 100 years old, Lewis Fyles Jr., known as “Lou,” is still playing golf, teaching others the game, and sharing lessons learned over a century of life.

When asked the secret to reaching 100 years old, Fyles’ answer was simple.

“First, have faith in God and love everybody,” he said. “I’ve trusted Him, and so far, He’s been doing wonders for me.”

Throughout the day, Fyles repeatedly pointed to faith, kindness, and treating others with respect as the foundation of a good life.

“It isn’t how long you live, it is how well you live,” he said.

But Fyles’ life has not been without challenges.

During World War II, he served in a segregated military and said Black service members often faced discrimination, even while serving their country.

“It was kind of rough,” he said. “A lot of prejudice in World War II.”

Fyles recalled standing guard with a rifle that had no ammunition while white soldiers were issued ammunition. He said Black soldiers were given tin cups while white soldiers received china cups aboard ships traveling overseas.

“We had to sleep below deck,” he said. “The white soldiers were up on the top deck.”

He said some white soldiers also spread demeaning rumors about Black troops to people overseas.

Even after risking their lives during the war, Fyles said many Black veterans returned home to a segregated America.

“You got to sit here. You can’t go to the counter. You can’t drink. You can’t go to this place,” he recalled.

Looking back, he said one of the most painful realities was that he sometimes felt more freedom overseas than he did in his own country.

“I had more freedom overseas than I had in America,” Fyles said. “And that’s the bad part.”

Despite those experiences, Fyles’ message today is not one of bitterness.

Instead, he urges people to focus on love, faith, and unity.

“One thing about it, this country needs everybody to defend it,” he said. “World War II, World War I, everybody participated. Not just one group.”

When asked what he hopes people take away from his story, Fyles said he wants others to understand the importance of living with purpose.

“If they trust in God, obey their parents, put love in their heart, they can have a wonderful, joyful, and peaceful life,” he said.

For Fyles, golf has become one way to share those values. Friends say he has spent years mentoring players and teaching newcomers the game.

Charlie Lee, a longtime friend, said Fyles taught him nearly everything he knows about golf.

“Everything I know about golf, Lou taught me,” Lee said. “He took me under his wing. He was patient. He’s a good teacher and a good leader.”

Even at 100 years old, Fyles said his day still begins and ends the same way.

“Before I go to bed at night, I kneel and pray,” he said. “When I get up in the morning, I kneel, I pray.”

As for the best part of turning 100?

“Being alive,” he said. “Being alive and having a lot of friends.”

Surrounded by fellow golfers and friends on his birthday, Fyles celebrated not only a century of life but a lifetime of service, perseverance, and faith.

“Keep breathing. Keep praying,” he said. “And you may make it.”

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