Florida couple celebrate milestone 80th wedding anniversary – congratulations!.


On average, the typical marriage in the United States lasts just eight years.

So when a couple’s love story and their commitment to each other spans several decades, there’s a reason to celebrate.

Frank and Tommie Otway recently celebrated 80 years of marriage!

The couple who live on their own in Orange City, Florida met when they were teens living in the same apartment building in East Orange, New Jersey.

They never looked back.
“Well it all started in East Orange, New Jersey and here we are in Orange City ending it up,” Tommie told FOX 35 Orlando.

The couple first met when they crossed paths in a New Jersey apartment building they both lived in. One of their first dates included a trip into New York City where Tommie said, “He would buy me a 5-cent orange drink and a 10 cent hot dog.”

On February 6, 1942, an 18-year-old Frank and 16-year-old Tommie eloped.

Before the couple started their family, Frank served in the U.S. Marines.

They had five children, all whom have since died.

“We had our precious five children, but the Lord thought they were more precious and he took them to be with him,” Tommie said.

They currently have more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Screenshot
So while so many marriages don’t make it to the 10-year mark, how did Frank and Tommie survive to be one of the longest marriages?

Four words have kept their relationship intact over the years.

“Christ, we have to have Jesus in our lives, and I say commitment,” Tommie said.

They also believe in communication and compassion.

The couple celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary with a party at a local restaurant. Their next celebration will be in March when Frank turns 99!

Congratulations Frank and Tommie! Very few people can say they’ve been married for as long as you two lovebirds. May you continue to celebrate many more years together.

Please share this heartwarming story.

Related Posts

‘The Priest Refused To Marry Us’: Mixed-Race Couple Share Their 73-Yr Story Of Love & Prejudice.

No one, not even Trudy Menard, could have predicted that Trudy Menard and Barclay Patoir would ultimately become a pair. And one that would commemorate more than…

Helen Mirren, 77, looks stunning in a gorgeous pink gown at a film festival.

Helen Mirren appeared gorgeous in a sparkling pink gown as she visited the Ora! Film Festival in Monopoli, Italy, on Sunday. The 77-year-old actress looked stunning in…

Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter graduates from 11th grade on the honor roll; check her delighted father’s post.

Larry Birkhead is a delighted father after his 16-year-old daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead, graduated from high school and was named to the honor roll. Dannielynn Birkhead, the late…

Goldie Hawn’s 7-year-old granddaughter is pretty much a spitting image of her famous grandma

Goldie Hawn is a Hollywood icon you can’t help but notice since she is not just ageless, has a tremendously strong and charming relationship with boyfriend Kurt…

When Don Rickles Roasted Clint Eastwood, No One Could Keep A Straight Face!

In this video featuring Clint Eastwood, Don Rickles takes the classic roast to another level. Before sensitivity took over, those were the good old days. Classic roasts…

A television personality spends $1,000,000 on plastic surgery to emulate Jennifer Lopez’s signature Versace appearance.

Jessica Alves brought Jennifer Lopez vibes to Ibiza on Sunday as she hit the scene in a provocative outfit. The British-Brazilian reality personality looked stunning in her…