Athens man celebrates 100th birthday

An Athens, Georgia man is celebrating a major milestone this week.

Ernie Walton was born in South Dakota on August 27, 1917. On Monday, he celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family.

Ernie was a farmer for most of his life and became the farm manager at Toccoa Falls College in Northeast Georgia before retiring.

Friends told FOX 5 that Ernie loves horseback riding, his country, his family and "his Heavenly Father."

From all of us here at FOX 5, happy birthday to Mr. Walton!