Never getting in trouble and devoting his life to his faith is to what the Rev. L.B. Curry attributes his &#8220good life.” Today he celebrates his 107th birthday, but said he doesn’t feel that old.

&#8220I feel about 80,” he said Friday afternoon at Vicksburg Convalescent Home, where he has lived for about six years.

Curry, born in 1899 in Vicksburg, has spent his life working hard and preaching harder. He remembers his early days fishing, buying his first car – a Chevrolet – for $150 and the birth of his daughter. Curry lived through many wars, but never was drafted.

&#8220I was always too young or too old,” he said.

He’s not complaining; never does, said activities coordinator and social services assistant Amie LaSalle.

&#8220He never gets upset,” she said.

He was reared on Magnolia Street by his grandmother, who didn’t allow him to get in trouble.

&#8220I obeyed or I got torn up,” he said. &#8220I was never put in jail, I was never arrested.”

His health can also be attributed to living life on the straight and narrow.

&#8220I didn’t drink, I didn’t gamble or smoke – I worked,” Curry said.

He had four wives, and they all preceded him in death.

&#8220Reverend,” as he is referred to by his friends at the nursing home, worked for 40 years as an evangelistic preacher, sharing his sermons with people across the city. He also drove a truck for Mississippi Lumber Company for a while, painted cars and held other jobs. But, his preaching is what he, to this day, considers his work.

&#8220He helps with the church service and – he has this beautiful, deep voice – he sings in the choir,” LaSalle said.

Curry has enjoyed every day of his 107 years, always smiling and never letting a day slip by him.

&#8220He gets up every day,” LaSalle said.

It’s because he still has work to do, he said.

&#8220It keeps me young – it keeps me handsome,” he added.

Curry’s infectious smile that peers out from behind a brown-rimmed hat he wears.

He has a smile &#8220for anybody and everybody – even some of them I don’t like,” he said.

For him, life is about enjoyment and caring for the people you love. And, Curry has done just that.

&#8220I had a good time – I still have a good time,” he said. &#8220The Lord gave me something.”