His voice will forever be in our hearts

Ron Owenby will be missed by thousands of Cherokeeans, many of whom might not even have known what he looked like.

But what they did know is they welcomed him into their homes each day via their radios and the Carolina in the Morning show. What they did know is they were glued to the radio on Friday nights during Gaffney High football broadcasts to keep track, via Ron's reports, of how our beloved Indians were faring.

Owenby, a veteran radio personality, died Thursday of a heart attack.

Those who knew him well will tell you that his keen wit and trademark sense of humor is what they will remember most. He could captivate an audience with his ad-lib style of talking and needed little or no prepared remarks to gain and keep the attention of a roomful of people.

He loved the radio industry, he loved Cherokee County, he loved its people and he loved his friends and family. He made so many contributions to so many organizations, it would take this entire page and then some to list them all.

And in addition to touching the collective lives of charitable and civic groups, he also was a friend to each individual who tuned in to listen to his familiar voice.

He was at our breakfast table in the mornings and in our dens and living rooms on Friday nights with the trademark "this is Gaffney Indian football" slogan.

But more than that, he was in our hearts and we were in his. Ron was compassionate, caring and understanding. He was a wonderful person on so many levels.

We will miss the twinkle in his eye and the school boy giggle in his voice.

That voice was, and will always be, a huge part of Cherokee County's history.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and wish for them God's blessings.