Former Lavonia Mayor Ralph Owens Passes Away

Funeral arrangements are pending for former longtime Lavonia Mayor Ralph Owens.

Owens passed away Tuesday afternoon after a brief illness surrounded by his family.

He served as Lavonia mayor from 1989 until the end of December 2019.

“Ralph Owens played a vital role in the success of Lavonia and will certainly be missed,” said current Lavonia Mayor Courtney Umbehant.

At a reception held in his honor in January 2020, Umbehant noted Owens’ 32 years of service and all that he was able to accomplish during that time.

“Public service is a very noble and honorable thing,” Umbehant said. “The rewards are not always in friendships because sometimes folks get mad at you and other things, but it’s certainly something we want to honor today. 32 years. What a wonderful accomplishment.”

Owens also served as an officer in the Lavonia Police Force for many years.

Strickland Funeral Home in Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements for Ralph Owens.