On October 25, 2009, Raymond Lee (Pewee) Owens celebrated his 98th birthday. He was born in Rutherford County, but spent most of his adult life living in Polk County, first in Columbus and then in Mill Spring.

He is the oldest living member of Mill Spring First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He is now a resident at White Oak Manor in Tryon.

He still has a sharp mind and can tell you about the many events that have occurred in Polk County, especially in the 30s and 40s. For example, he worked at the first car dealership in Columbus and can tell you how he got his first car, etc.

Should you be interested, you are welcome to visit him and ask about these and other events that he remembers so well.