Cary man celebrates 99th birthday

Cary resident Arthur Mayhew plans to celebrate his 99th birthday Sunday with friends and family.

Mayhew is one of Cary's oldest residents, his daughter-in-law Patty Mayhew said.

"He's always said he's going to live to be 100," she said. "It's an important goal for him."

Mayhew and his wife, Eleanore, 94, have been married for 70 years. Mayhew recently got his license renewed and is proud that he still drives. He retired from owning and running a Mayhew Meats in Chicago, which sold roast beef, gravy and a host of other delicious products, his daughter-in-law said.

Mayhew enjoys golf, billiards and bowling, although he doesn't play very often anymore.

The secret to his longevity?

"He drinks brandy every day and lots of salt," Patty Mayhew said with a laugh. "But he's always been a hard worker and goes for a walk every day."

The family plans to celebrate the occasion Sunday, Aug. 22, with Mayhew's two sons, five grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Patty Mayhew said her father-in-law also had two great-great-grandchildren on the way.