90-Year-Old Veterinary Assistant Still Going Strong After 26 Years on the Job

Ruben Tramill has been a dedicated full-time employee at Animal House Veterinary Clinic in Clarksville, Tennessee, helping with a variety of veterinary services.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:33pm

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Ruben Tramill, a 90-year-old veterinary assistant, has been working full-time at Animal House Veterinary Clinic in Clarksville, Tennessee for the past 26 years. Originally from Kentucky, Tramill started working with veterinarians as a teenager in 1957 and has continued his passion for helping animals ever since, assisting with everything from delivering calves to performing C-sections. Despite his advanced age, Tramill has no plans to retire anytime soon, stating "I want to go on just as long as I can."

Why it matters

Tramill's story highlights the value of experience, dedication, and a strong work ethic, even in an industry that is often dominated by younger professionals. His willingness to continue working well into his 90s is an inspiration and challenges perceptions about the capabilities of older adults.

The details

Tramill began working with veterinarians in 1957 after moving to Clarksville, Tennessee from Kentucky as a teenager. He has assisted with a wide range of veterinary procedures over the years, including delivering calves, performing C-sections, and even wrestling a rampaging bull off of his veterinarian boss when the animal knocked the doctor unconscious. Despite his advanced age, Tramill remains a full-time employee at Animal House Veterinary Clinic, where his coworkers praise his strong work ethic, patience, and willingness to mentor younger staff.

  • Tramill began working with veterinarians in 1957.
  • Tramill has been employed at Animal House Veterinary Clinic for the past 26 years.
  • Tramill is currently 90 years old.

The players

Ruben Tramill

A 90-year-old veterinary assistant who has been working full-time at Animal House Veterinary Clinic in Clarksville, Tennessee for the past 26 years.

Dr. James Young

A veterinarian who previously ran the New Providence Animal Clinic, where Tramill also worked.

Susie Parker

The former inventory manager at Animal House Veterinary Clinic, who has known Tramill since she was 5 years old and whose father was Dr. James Young.

Brandon Butts

The assistant manager at Animal House Veterinary Clinic, who has worked with Tramill for almost 20 years and describes him as a wonderful mentor.

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What they’re saying

“I just believe in working, and my family did too. My mother, daddy and my grandfather believed in working. If you want to eat, you've got to work.”

— Ruben Tramill

“He took me to the places I needed to go and taught me the things I needed to know, like how to drive.”

— Susie Parker, Former inventory manager, Animal House Veterinary Clinic

“Occasionally, over time I have seen people not treat Ruben well, and he has never, ever lost his temper.”

— Susie Parker, Former inventory manager, Animal House Veterinary Clinic

“He was always polite to me and showed me tools and things that I would ask him about, he was always good to me, I couldn't ask for a better mentor.”

— Brandon Butts, Assistant manager, Animal House Veterinary Clinic

The takeaway

Ruben Tramill's remarkable 26-year career as a dedicated veterinary assistant at the age of 90 demonstrates the value of experience, a strong work ethic, and a passion for one's work. His story challenges stereotypes about older adults and inspires others to pursue their professional passions later in life.