C.K. Torrence grew up in Gastonia and saw the growth and evolution of Gastonia from a small town to
a national leader in textiles. He attended UNC, and later Georgia Tech, before serving in
the Navy during WWII. Torrence returned to Gastonia and collaborated with his father in
management at Ozark Mills. He served as superintendent and later president in 1962. Torrance
was active in the textile trade organizations and a member of the Gaston Country Club where
he served as President. He outlived many of the members of the club, passing away in 1987.
