By Vickie Ettenger
Special to the Chronicle
Murray Price woke earlier than normal on Wednesday, Feb. 24.  
He was eager to celebrate his 100th birthday.  
What he found was several birthday elves decorating his yard with banners and balloons.  
All he had been told was that he was to have lunch followed by ice cream and cake at home with his immediate family.  
As the day unfolded several big surprises came his way.  
He was amazed by a basket of birthday cards gathered by his St. Stephens Lutheran Church family.  
Members of the Military History Club arrived announced by a siren. 
The doorbell rang often with well wishers. 
 Murray enjoyed the festivities from a golf cart which included
• The Lexington High School ROTC Honor Guard.  
• Presentations from Police Chief Terrence Green and LPD officers.
• Lexington Mayor Steve McDougall and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.  
His neighbor celebrated with blaring car honks for a full minute followed by fireworks.
Murray felt humbled by the outpouring from the Lexington community and for once in his 100 years left speechless.
Mrs. Ettenger’s parents are Murray and the late Frances Price.