Polk County Commissioner Ted Owens dedicated his recent swearing-in to the late Earl Foy, former county commissioner, who passed away this year.

Owens was sworn into office earlier this month. During the ceremony, he said 26 years ago he was sworn in as commissioner along with Foy, one of the best commissioners ever to serve Polk County.

To be honest, if it hadnt been for Earl and Ruth, his wife, I would not have been standing there getting sworn in, Owens said. On September 22 of this year, Earl went to be with his Heavenly Father and tonight I dedicate my swearing in to commissioner Earl Foy, one of the best commissioners to ever serve the citizens of Polk County.

Owens presented flowers and pictures to Foys wife, Ruth, during his swearing in ceremony. Owens also invited Pastor David Turner of Coopers Gap Baptist Church to lead the county in prayer to keep in tradition with 26 years ago and Owens also read Romans 12:3-8.

Foy was a commissioner from 1984 to 1986. His brothers, Jesse and Fred Foy also served as county commissioner.

Owens said Earl Foy cared for people of this county and didnt discriminate for any reason.

Earl loved and respected all the folks of this county no matter if their skin was white, black, yellow or polka dot, said Owens.

Earl Foy served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He retired from McLean Trucking in Spartanburg, S.C., and was also a landscaper. He was a former Polk County commissioner, a member of Woodmen of the World, delivered Meals on Wheels, helped his two daughters with Girl Scouts and the Tryon High School band, volunteered with the Blue Ridge Barbecue & Music Festival and decorated his church at Christmas.

Foy was also a dedicated member of the Polk County Republican Party and the Congregational Church of Christ in Tryon, where he had served as a deacon.

Foy was 84 when he died and had been married to Ruth Pace Foy for 61 years.

Polk County Republican Party Chairwoman Cheryl Every said Foy dedicated his life to his country, community and people in need.

(Foys) life was about service to his country, his community, and to those in need, Every said. He did all of those things without fanfare or seeking attention to his service or accomplishments. He was just always there. No matter what anyone needed, Earl volunteered to help. He was the first one to show up and the last one to turn out the lights and lock the door.

Owens spoke of Foys conservatism and love of his family. He said he remembers&bsp; every time the county manager wanted to spend money, Foy would ask why it was needed.

Most all people that run for elected office claim to be conservative, Owens said. I have too. But Ive never met anyone else that was as conservative and cared about the taxpayers of this county as Earl did.

Most of all Earl loved his family, Owens said.

Owens said Earl and Ruth Foy thought nothing of jumping in the car to visit their daughter, Dr. Jane Foy Arnold and her family in Tampa, Fla. Their other daughter, Janet Foy Sauve, and her family live in Tryon.

A philosophy Owens said Foy lived by was that Foy promised to take care of the taxpayers money as if it were his own.

Owens ended his swearing-in ceremony this month by saying he plans to live by Foys philosophy as commissioner.

With Gods help I plan to follow Earls philosophy to the letter, said Owens. Ill handle the countys money as if it were my own.