The family of Raymond Boozer wanted to give him a surprise party for his 91st birthday. Because of social distancing, a birthday party was not possible. So they thought of surprising him with a drive-by parade in front of their parent’s home. Emails and phone calls went to friends to keep it a secret and join in.

“We know this will make dad’s birthday special,” his daughter Brenda Burkett said.

Brenda and Todd Long brought her parents a steak dinner and she asked them to sit in the driveway beside a cutout of a giant birthday cake and “Happy 91st Birthday” sign their grandson Elliott Collier made.

Their daughters Brenda Burkett and Linda Ashley were first to arrive, followed by Breana Collier’s family, Brandon and Stacey Ashley and their children plus other family members. Both Raymond and Alice thought their special birthday drive-by parade was over. Then the Boozers saw 30 more cars, trucks, golf carts and two vintage 1930 Fords. Several Gilbert Boy Scouts Pack 60 members joined.

Their daughters Brenda Burkett and Linda Ashley were first to arrive, followed by Breana Collier’s family, Brandon and Stacey Ashley and their children plus other family members. Both Raymond and Alice thought their special birthday drive-by parade was over. Then the Boozers saw 30 more cars, trucks, golf carts and two vintage 1930 Fords. Several Gilbert Boy Scouts Pack 60 members joined.

Breana Collier played happy birthday and the Tennessee Waltz on her violin.

Raymond said, “Being 91 years young feels wonderful, thanks to all of you.”

Raymond and Alice Boozer have given countless hours of volunteerism, dedication and leadership in our Gilbert community. They organized and launched the Lexington County Peach Festival in 1959.

Drive-by birthday friends included Tee Derrick and Hazel Suplee, Shelia and Bobby Gable, Michael Smith, Aaron Shirey and dog Spanky, Rev. Johnny and Roma Muller, Max and Mary Ellis, Linda Ashley, Merrily Forrester, David and Debbie Keisler, Yginie Cockrell, Joann Dubose, Marie Leaphart, Virgill Leaphart, Ashley Leaphart, Patty Womack, Hope Bledsoe, Alina Bledsoe, Crybin Bell, Tom and Nancy Harmon, Julie Watts, Emily Watts, Anna Watts, Laurin Watts, Caroline Rabon, Shelia Shealy, Hazel Shealy, Jane and Moody Oswald, Ashlyn and Elliott Cox.

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