Gainesville Health & Fitness ambassador inspires healthy living at 100 years old

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – A familiar face at Gainesville Health and Fitness just turned 100 years old.

Billie Bob Sykes has been a member at the gym since 2000 and began working as an ambassador in 2016.

“You have one chance at life, so take advantage of it and be happy and healthy,” said Billie Bob.

Billie Bob is best known for handing out candy by the door when members leave, giving them a friendly goodbye.

“I like for them to leave the gym with a sweet taste in their mouth because we want them to come back,” said Billie Bob.

Friends and family lined up on Friday to celebrate Billie Bob at the GHF Main Center.

UF mascot Alberta and Florida Gators Dazzlers also made her an honorary Rowdy Reptile.

“What an inspiration for a woman, whether she’s 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, to be sharp as heck, still move around the club and still engage with everyone. It’s a big part of who we are and who we’ve been,” said GHF owner Joe Cirulli.

Billie Bob said loving your family is the key to a long, happy life. “Enjoy your family. Love one another. Stay healthy and so much more.”

She spent her birthday this weekend at Disney.

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