Russellville resident Henry Christian, 83, was chosen to receive the Russellville Senior Center’s Senior of the Month Award for the month of February.
Christian was raised in the coal mines of Parrish, Ala., and spent his younger years selling clothes to earn money.
In 1950, he married his wife, Harriett Josephine, who he met in Jasper when she was visiting her aunt, and they were married for over 50 years before she was called up to heaven.
Together, Christian and his wife had six children: James E. Hampton, Jr., Corine Baylock, Henry L. Christian, Jr., Richard Christian, Harrison Christian and Rosell Christian.
Christian realized the importance of providing for his family and found work at a steel mill in Clariton, Pa., where he and his family lived for over 20 years.
Harriett had lived in Franklin County, so when it came time for Christian to retire in 1972, the family moved back to the area and Christian has lived here ever since.
Christian said after returning to the area, he and his wife served as foster parents for a while – an experience they both enjoyed.
Today, Christian enjoys spending time with his children, his six grandchildren, his great-grandchildren and other friends and family.
“My grandkids and great grandkids always bring a special smile to my face,” Christian said.
“They really know how to touch my heart.”
He said he enjoys hunting and fishing, but he enjoys fishing the most.
“I like being out on the lake and I have fun with my friends I go with.”
Christian also said he enjoys coming to the Senior Center and seeing everyone else who comes there.
“I like the atmosphere here and the people,” he said.
Cathye Garrison, director of the Senior Center, said Christian is well-liked by everyone there.
“He is a good Christian man and we enjoy having him here,” she said.
When he isn’t at the Senior Center or fishing on the lake, Christian spends time at his church, New Jerusalem Baptist Church, where he sings in the choir.
“I sit back and look at all the many blessings God gives me each day and I want to thank the Senior Center for this award,” he said.
“I don’t know that I have done anything amazing, but I try to live by God’s word.”