Surprise! Neighbors and sheriff help Eric Shorey celebrate 90th birthday

'Mr. Eric is filled with kindness and is always spreading messages of wisdom,' Nacie Somera said.

By Observer Staff
| 12:00 p.m. April 9, 2021

Eric Shorey turned 90 on April 7. The neighbors love his wisdom and seeing him riding his bicycle around town. Photos by Brian McMillan

Flagler County Sheriff's Office deputies visited to wish Shorey a happy birthday. Photos by Brian McMillan

Shorey told the neighbors, "Respect reinforces love. Earn it!" Photos by Brian McMillan

Eric Shorey and his wife

Sheriff Rick Staly presented Shorey with a challenge coin. Photos by Brian McMillan

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

by: Samira Taite-Headspeth and Brian McMillan

Eric Shorey rides his bicycle around town so much that he almost missed his surprise birthday party.

Nacie Somera, who, along with Daniel Graham, invited neighbors to wish Shorey a happy 90th on April 7, said she saw Shorey starting to ride out of his driveway on Baltimore Lane just before surprise guests were to arrive — including Sheriff Rick Staly and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle unit. But she caught him in time, and Shorey enjoyed the attention from the community.

Shorey was born in Barbados in 1931 and eventually served in the British Army. He went on to become an engineer.

“Mr. Eric is filled with kindness and is always spreading messages of wisdom,” Somera said. “He gives the kids the best advice and tells them stories of his life.”

Another neighbor of Shorey, Christy Jones, said, “He’s always saying positive things and motivating the children to stay in school.”

Shorey told the children and neighbors in his driveway: “Respect reinforces love. Earn it! When you earn it, you can walk with your head proud.” He added: “I am a proud neighbor of you all. I love and respect you. Thank you so much.”