On Friday, Dec. 12, Peggy and Russell Goodwine of Plant City celebrated 61 years of marriage bliss at the Hillsborough County Plant City Adult Day Care Center.
The couple renewed their vows and celebrated their decades-long love story surrounded by loved ones, including several of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Their story began in Plant City where Peggy's family moved next door to Russell's, and the rest is history. They began dating as kids and were married shortly after in 1964.
The couple has much to celebrate, from more than 61 years together to their extensive lineage spanning six children, 36 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Peggy has attended the Hillsborough County Plant City Adult Day Care Center since 2017, where she's an active member and serves on the advisory council. She competes in group trivia, does arts and crafts, and is involved in inspirational time. She's also an advocate for the center and helps welcome new clients.
Before retiring, Peggy worked three years for Hillsborough County Aging Services providing in-home care for seniors.
Russell helped to create the garden at the Hillsborough County Plant City Adult Day Care Center, and before retirement worked for a phosphate mining company in Hillsborough County for more than 30 years.
Peggy and Russell were surrounded by love on Friday, and Hillsborough County Aging Services provided a "perfect backdrop" to reaffirm their commitment to one another.
According to Russell, the secret to a long, happy marriage is "keeping respect and love for each other."
"We always believe in each other," he shared.
The couple remarked that they've enjoyed every moment of being married and joked that "there ain't no stopping us now."