Local man attends first prom with his great-granddaughter at age 81

HURRICANE, W.Va. (WCHS) — Prom season has arrived for high school students around the county, but one attendee graduated many years ago.

When local Ciera Rhodes was searching for a prom date she knew exactly who to ask: her 81-year-old great-grandfather, Bill, who'd never been to a prom.

"He's one of the most important people in my life," Rhodes told Eyewitness News. "It's a big day. It's important."

Bill McCallister accepted the invite, put on a pink bowtie and was ready to go.

"I want only the best for her and to enjoy it," McCallister said. "We are going to make some memories."

McCallister became a widow in 2001 and he knew that if his wife had been present, she would have been snapping photos and grinning from ear-to-ear at Bill's opportunity.

"When I was young, going to the prom was no big thing back then," McCallister explained. "I never did get to go when I was younger, and I couldn't miss this opportunity. I look forward to it."

Ciera and her great-grandfather have spent weeks perfecting their dance moves in preparation for the big night.

"I can't dance like what those kids do," McCallister said. "I'm 81 years old, almost 82 years old! I will be the oldest teenager there. How about that?"

A limousine waited to pick up the pair and kick off an evening they will cherish forever.