Thirty-three years ago, Thomas Faucette retired from his job at the U.S. Postal Service, but he simply couldn’t sit at home and do nothing.
When his wife Elizabeth, who was a teacher at Peck Elementary School in their hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina, suggested that he take a job as a crossing guard, he thought it sounded like a good way to keep busy. Over three decades later, he’s still out there every day!
Thomas began his career as a soldier. He spent time overseas during World War II, returning home and working for the post office until the 1980s. He and Elizabeth have been married for 51 years, and she said it’s “a blessing” to still have her hardworking husband around.
“He decided he needed something else to do so we made it happen for him,” Elizabeth said. “He’s been doing this quite a while and enjoyed coming out each morning.”
He shows up for work at 5 a.m. every weekday. He’s a familiar face for two generations of students and their families, so when he turned 100 years old, the entire community came together to celebrate. Students lined up to give him hugs and presented him with a T-shirt and $100, which they’d raised by collecting coins from other kids. Thomas even showed off his dance moves.
“Not many of us can even think about turning 100 and still wanting to get up every morning to go to work with a smile on our face and a little rhythm in our hips,” said teacher Verhonda Evans. “We appreciate you dearly.”
Even at his age, Thomas puts younger workers to shame. He rarely takes a day off, even for vacations! His son, Thomas Faucette Jr., said he does it all for the students.
“He has more things to do than we have to do,” he explained. “Even when it comes down to vacation, he wants to hurry up and come back so he can do the cross guard. He does not want to take off work. It keeps him busy.”
Thomas said he can’t wait to celebrate his 101st birthday at school next year, and we can’t wait to see the pictures! What an incredible work ethic. They don’t make ’em like Thomas anymore!
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