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\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
On average, the typical marriage in the United States lasts just eight years.<\/p>\n
So when a couple\u2019s love story and their commitment to each other spans several decades, there\u2019s a reason to celebrate.<\/p>\n
Frank and Tommie Otway recently celebrated 80 years of marriage!
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\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
They never looked back.
\n\u201cWell it all started in East Orange, New Jersey and here we are in Orange City ending it up,\u201d Tommie told FOX 35 Orlando.<\/p>\n
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, \u201cHe would buy me a 5-cent orange drink and a 10 cent hot dog.\u201d<\/p>\n
On February 6, 1942, an 18-year-old Frank and 16-year-old Tommie eloped.
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\nBefore the couple started their family, Frank served in the U.S. Marines.<\/p>\n
They had five children, all whom have since died.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had our precious five children, but the Lord thought they were more precious and he took them to be with him,\u201d Tommie said.<\/p>\n
They currently have more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.<\/p>\n
So while so many marriages don\u2019t make it to the 10-year mark, how did Frank and Tommie survive to be one of the longest marriages?<\/p>\n
Four words have kept their relationship intact over the years.<\/p>\n
\u201cChrist, we have to have Jesus in our lives, and I say commitment,\u201d Tommie said.<\/p>\n
They also believe in communication and compassion.<\/p>\n