Whataburger Bash Thrown for Texas Veteran’s 100th Birthday

On Saturday, April 14, 2019, C.J. “Red” Wallace celebrated at a Malakoff, Texas, Whataburger for his 100th birthday. Not only did his family and friends turn out to wish him well, but Wallace made a grand entrance, arriving at his favorite fast-food restaurant in a white limousine!

Wallace has been a Malakoff Whataburger regular for years. And so, for the celebration of his 100th year, the employees decided to decorate in his honor and celebrate the birthday of this special customer. He says the bun is one of the best parts of his usual order: a #1 Whataburger with mayo added, minus onions and pickles.

In World War II, Wallace served as an Army radar technician. His air force service consisted of time in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany, and was part of the liberation of Europe from Nazi control. He returned to Texas following the war and has spent much of his life in Arlington, where he was a General Motors employee for 27 years.

Photo: Whataburger.com

Wallace’s family helped the Whataburger staff coordinate the birthday of this special centenarian, including the presence of his great-granddaughters. Although his cake wasn’t set ablaze with 100 candles, he did make a wish and blow out a single Whataburger-branded candle. “It’s special that he let Whataburger share his milestone,” said Shelly Lipe, Hablinski Investments Whataburger franchise Marketing Director. Among the words of wisdom he shared with family and friends for his celebration, he noted, “If you want to live a long life, you’d better get plenty of exercise.” He even received 100 birthday cards for his special day!