AN "AMAZING" Flintshire man who was McDonald's oldest employee in Europe is set to celebrate his 100th birthday.
William 'Bill' Dudley, from Connah's Quay, is celebrating the landmark this Thursday (April 10).
Bill, from Connah’s Quay, worked at McDonald's Mold restaurant for well over a decade until he was 94.
He had a close shave when a torpedo launched by a plane came close to hitting his ship during battle – but he forgave the pilot when he met him nearly 50 years later.
“I saw this aircraft coming towards us and it dropped the torpedo," he previously said.
“I saw his face – he was so close to me – and that is one of the most vivid memories I have of the war. I thought this is it, this is the end."
Bill then worked as a taxi driver for ABA Car in Shotton for more than 15 years.
Before that he spent a decade at Airbus in Broughton and 35 years at British Steel.
He also used to work as an advertising rep for the Leader’s former parent company, NWN Media.
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Bill's daughter-in-law and carer, Mell Dudley, said: "When he was 94 we said our goodbyes - he was in hospital with an infection and was really frail. He couldn’t walk, couldn’t feed himself.
"But he proved everyone wrong. He's a revitalised man - up walking around the house and making himself drinks.
"My son is 13 and he is in awe of his grandad, he's so excited for him to get his card from the King. Bill is an amazing man, the father I never had. I love caring for him, he is such a character and so full of life. Even the day’s when’s not feeling well he still tries.
"People from McDonald's still get in touch with him. He's such a well-liked person and has a heart of gold."
Bill has followed Connah’s Quay Nomads FC and hopes to attend a game one last time.
Mel added: "We're having a little get together with some friends, and he'll have a nice big cake to celebrate the big day."
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