Marion County resident AZ Toney celebrated his 97^th birthday surrounded by family and friends Saturday at Doskey’s Family Restaurant in Columbia. Toney served in World War II, worked at Orleans Furniture Company and currently enjoys gardening. He is a lifelong Marion County resident and is of sound body and mind. “I think he is in better shape than I am,” said his daughter Mary Ann Hathorn of Lake Charles, La. Asked how it felt to turn 97, AZ Toney said, “fine.” His wife of 60 years, Gertrude, passed away over a year ago. Kwanza Toney of Hattiesburg said he grew up without a dad and AZ was like a father to him. Az’s four daughters, Mary Ann Hathorn, Dianne Hayden, Georgia Thompson and Annie Hammond, organized the party for their dad. Party goers sang gospel songs, gave short speeches in honor of Toney and ate food from the delicious buffet at Doskey’s.