MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WBTW) — A 95-year-old man with lung cancer goes to work every day with his son to help him with his pressure washing business.
Robert Mclaughlin also drives his own car, changes tires, and mows his lawn. Mclaughlin lives in Murrells Inlet and was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022.
Mclaughlin said the diagnosis hasn’t stopped him from working with his son across the Grand Strand.
“It’s just something in me and I just want to stay busy doing something,” he said.
Mclaughlin has lived along the Grand Strand for 35 years.
He was nine years old when he got his first job delivering newspapers. Then he drove trucks for 40 years.
“I drove a truck for 40 years, so I guess that got me in the habit of getting out and going,” he said.
Mclaughlin then decided to retire.
“And they told me when I retired, the first thing I need to learn to do was get up, get dressed and get out of the house,” he said. “And I pretty well done that.”
Now at 95 years old, he works for his son’s company Gray Man Pressure Washing.
Mclaughlin said he mostly helps with mixing chemicals and putting it where it needs to go. He added he helps with whatever he can.
“Occasionally if he’s going to go get a drink of water or something, then he’ll hand me the hose and I’ll rinse something down or whatever,” he said.
Mclaughlin said when he was a kid, everyone wanted to work and make money and he still believes working hard is important.
His son Robbie Mclaughlin said his dad is helpful and the two have a system and it cuts prep work time in half.
Robbie Mclaughlin said his dad worked a lot when he was younger, and he didn’t get to spend as much time with him as he wanted.
“And so right now at 95 years old, I’m getting to spend a lot of time, really getting to know my dad, who he is and what a great person he really is,” Robbie said.
Robert says he’ll continue to pressure wash homes until he physically can’t anymore. His son Robbie hopes to have him by his side for many years to come.