'A front row seat to history': Georgia's oldest WWII veteran celebrates 107th birthday
MARIETTA - At 107 years old, Charlie Duncan has lived through global wars, the Great Depression, the dawn of the digital age and profound leaps in human rights, technology and space exploration.
Duncan, the oldest living World War II veteran in Georgia, celebrated his birthday a day early with the Cobb County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.
He was presented a proclamation from Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, who declared May 27 as "Charlie Duncan Day" in Cobb County.
"You probably remember him from his 105th and 106th, and now we're at 107," she told attendees Tuesday.
The board recognized Duncan for "his remarkable longevity, unwavering love of life and his enduring contributions to the Cobb County community."
"At 107 years old, he has touched countless lives, served his country with honor and remains an inspiration to all who know him," Birrell said.
Born on May 27, 1919, Duncan spent most of his life in and around Cobb County, attending the Seventh District Agricultural and Mechanical School, now known as McEachern High School.
During World War II, he served as a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he built and delivered prefabricated bridges to the front lines, Birrell said.
"After completing 18 months of military service, he returned home to his family and a job at Randall Brothers Millworks in Atlanta as a master craftsman, retiring after 37 years," Birrell said.
Duncan also owned a grocery store and personally built a home on 25 acres of land on Ebenezer Road.
For 39 years, he was married to his first wife, Geneva, with whom he had two children. After her passing, he married Mary, and they shared 44 years together until her passing.
Duncan continues to be the proud patriarch of a large family, including 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, several of whom were in attendance Tuesday.
According to Birrell, he credits his long life to staying active and eating healthy.
"He enjoyed square dancing for 37 years, which kept him mentally and physically agile and stayed fit by participating in water aerobics classes at the Mountain View Aquatic Center, often alongside fellow seniors decades younger," Birrell said.
He also served as grand marshal of the Marietta "Let Freedom Ring" parade in July 2023.
During the board meeting, Duncan received birthday letters from U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, neither of whom were able to attend.
Birrell read Ossoff's letter aloud, while a representative from Warnock's office read his.
Ossoff extended a "heartfelt happy birthday" to Duncan, emphasizing "reaching 107 years of age is no small feat."
"Throughout our nation's history, our dedicated service members have protected our citizens, our way of life and the sanctity of our ideals. The courage and sacrifice of these selfless souls have inspired countless people and shaped our country," Ossoff wrote. "On behalf of the people of Georgia, I would like to extend a deep gratitude for your contributions to the safety of the American public. I'm glad to hear you're celebrating this milestone with the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. May today be filled with joy, love, and cherished memories."
As Warnock acknowledged in his letter, Duncan, as a U.S. Army veteran, has encountered "many trials, triumphs and tribulations" in his over century of life.
"In the past century, you have had a front row seat to history as you watched it unfold in our collective quest of a more perfect union," he said.
Quoting Psalm 16:11, Warnock wrote, "You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration."
"Beautiful things are always in your right hand. As you celebrate this great milestone, remember that beautiful things are all around you," he wrote. "You have taught your loved ones lessons that they will carry on for the rest of their lives. Looking forward to the future, know that your long life of service to your country has inspired not only me, but countless Georgians."
"May you continue to live in prosperity, happiness and health, surrounded by those you love, knowing that your life is a reflection of the goodness the world has to offer."
Duncan will also receive a flag that flew over the Capitol as a birthday gift from U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, Birrell said.
The commissioner believed Duncan deserved to have the whole year dedicated to him.
"This man still has his mind and wits about him, and he's really funny," Birrell said. "He's just a jewel, and there are not many left from World War II."
After the proclamation, Duncan said, "I thank each and everyone for coming out and supporting me."
As he stood at the front of the boardroom surrounded by his family and fellow veterans, the room broke out into song as attendees sang "Happy Birthday."
"See you next year," one attendee told Duncan.
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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 5:18 AM.