City of Lavonia Saddened by Passing of Longtime Mayor

The City of Lavonia has put out a press release regarding the passing of former Mayor Ralph Owens.

Owens passed away Tuesday at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

In a statement issued by City Manager Charles Cawthon Wednesday, Cawthon said the City is saddened by the passing of former Mayor Ralph Owens.

Cawthon noted Owens served the City of Lavonia with dedication and distinction for more than thirty years.

During that time, he said Owens was instrumental in Lavonia’s industrial and economic growth.

Through his tenure as Mayor, he served as a board member for the Franklin County Industrial Building Authority, the Franklin/Hart/Stephens Joint Development Authority, and the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission.

He was recognized for his dedication to the city with a number of awards, including the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission’s “Elected Official of the Year” and the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce’s “Good Citizen of the Year”.

Cawthon said the City will endeavor to continue Owens’ legacy by doing as he did… looking after the best interests of the city that he loved.

He said the thoughts and prayers of the city are with Mayor Owens’ family and his many friends during this difficult time.

And at their regular work session Tuesday evening, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners recognized the passing of Owens at the start of their session with a moment of silence.

Before that, Commission Chair Jason Macomson remembered Owens’ many contributions to the County.

And at the Christmas tree lighting in Lavonia Tuesday evening, Mayor Courtney Umbehant dedicated the tree lighting in memory of Owens.

Funeral arrangements for former Lavonia Mayor Ralph Owens are set for Friday afternoon at 2p.

The funeral service will be held at Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger, the Rev. Chris Chitwood, and the Rev. Courtney Umbehant officiating.

Burial will follow in the Lavonia City Burgess Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Strickland Funeral Home in Lavonia Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.