By Staff
Senior Living
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights 68-year-old Hubert Rackard. He enjoys singing and playing the guitar and competing in the senior Olympics. Rackard and his wife, Lenna, were the king and queen at the Poarch Band of Creek Indians SAIL Center Valentine's Day Dance. He enjoys watching "Dancing With the Stars" because he also enjoys dancing.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: In Escambia County around the Poarch area. I was born in my house, back in those days they had midwives. On June 26, I'll be 69 years old.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: Isabell McGhee and Aaron Lee Rackard
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: Not whole, I have half brothers and sisters.
Q: Where did you attend high school and college?
A: I went to the seventh grade in Atmore, sixth grade at the Poarch school. I got my GED at Jefferson Davis in Brewton. I attended state vocational technical trade school to be an electrician. I served in the U.S. Navy for five years.
Q: What did you do in the Navy?
A: I was with Amphibious Battalion, ACB1.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: Quite a bit with the seniors. We've been to Albuquerque, N.M., Milwaukee, Wis., Branson, Mo., Washington D.C. and we've been to Oklahoma.
Q: What jobs have you held?
A: I've been an electrician with U.S. Army Corp of engineers for about 12 years. After that I worked with the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla., for seven years and then retired.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: Yes, to Lenna L. Rackard.
Q: Do you have any children or grandchildren?
A: I have three children living and one dead. Kevin L. Rackard and Rodney Rackard both live in the Atmore area and Anita A. Glass, she lives right next door to me.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: Crosspoint Church
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: My hobby mostly is working on appliances; washers and dryers.
I play my guitar and sing. I'm trying to get ready for Poarch Idol.
Me and my wife were the King and Queen of the senior Valentine's here at the (Poarch SAIL) center. I come here quite a bit.
I compete in the senior Olympics. We do basketball and softball throws, we play different games, we throw Frisbees.
Next year, I'm planning on running for Tribal Council. I like doing things for my people, serving them. I was in Tribal Council when we first got federally recognized. I retired and now I could be a full-time councilman.
Q: What's your favorite TV show?
A: "American Idol" right now. My next favorite is the Country Music Awards. I like "Dancing With the Stars" because I like to dance too.
Q: What's your favorite food?
A: Chicken and dumplings and catfish.
Q: What is the most interesting thing you have ever done?
A: I competed in the Idol last year. I sing country music, a little rock and roll, rhythm and blues and gospel.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: Make sure to take your medications and do your exercises. Just keep active, keep moving, don't mope around and stay in bed.
(If you would like to recommend a senior to be spotlighted please contact Adrienne McKenzie at 368-2123 or e-mail her at lifestyles@atmoreadvance.com)