ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- A fitting tribute for an honorable man. As Perry's casket rolled through the streets of St. Augustine friends and people in the community gathered to say goodbye.
"Sheriff Perry hired my husband. He was a wonderful boss, a wonderful man and he did so much for the county," Sherry Lee said.
Perry began his law enforcement career as an auxiliary officer with the St. Augustine Police Department, then became a member of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office in 1974.
He was elected top dog in 1984, and served four more terms after that.
"I never realized he accomplished so much in his life," Sharon Mull said.
Deputies from as close as Duval and as far away as Hillsborough County showed up for the funeral. Firefighters even draped an American flag in between trucks as the procession drove underneath.
Perry's homecoming and imprint he left behind is something these ladies will never forget.
"It was always a pleasure to be in his presence. He always welcomed us with with a hug and a firm handshake. He was just a wonderful person and we'll truly miss him," Lee said.
Although Perry's gone, his legacy will live on through countless county workers. Many directly attribute the success in their career to his mentoring and support.
