By Betsy Finklea
The photo of the late Sheriff Douglas Bryan Pernell was hung on Saturday, May 4th at the Dillon County Museum in Latta.
The cloudy skies and heavy rain that occurred during and after the ceremony seemed appropriate, reminiscent of the afternoon of Monday, August 7th, the day that Sheriff Pernell died.
His wife, Cynthia, his son, Kobe, and his grandson, DJ, along with other family and friends were in attendance as well as many from the community who wanted to honor the late Sheriff.
Chris Daniels, president of the Dillon County Historical Society, said it was really an honor to recognize the late Sheriff Douglas Pernell. He said Sheriff Pernell “did a lot of good for the community” and “blessed so many lives.” He said the hanging of the portrait came about after the current Sheriff Jamie Hamilton made a presentation on the Sheriffs of Dillon County at a historical society meeting, and they asked if the historical society could get a photo of Sheriff Pernell to hang in the museum.
Daniels said that Sheriff Pernell’s photo was being hung in the front room of the museum where they recognized the people who were “first” in Dillon County’s history such as the first mayor, the first Senator, etc. Pernell, who also had the honor of being named the first ever South Carolina Deputy of the Year, was the first African-American Sheriff in Dillon County and the first African-American to win a countywide office in Dillon County. Pernell said on many occasions that he didn’t want to be just the “black Sheriff,” he wanted to be “everybody’s Sheriff,” and it was reflected in the crowd who attended that he had accomplished this goal.
Cynthia Pernell said this was a wonderful recognition for her late husband, and she was truly grateful that he was being honored in this way. She said his being elected was a historic moment and that he broke barriers to make it possible for other African-Americans to be able to accomplish the same thing. She said she hoped that his legacy will be that if Douglas Pernell can do it, I can also. She said Pernell as other African-Americans have had to work hard to have their place in history and make sure that diversity has its place. She hopes this photo and Pernell’s example will serve as an inspiration for those coming behind him. She read a letter from Dillon Mayor Tally McColl, who was unable to attend, and mentioned the regrets from several others who were unable to attend. She once again thanked everyone for this honor and for attending this event.
After the remarks, Mrs. Pernell went to the front room and hung the photo. Several people took photographs to commemorate the occasion.
Those wishing to visit the museum may do so on the third Sunday of each month from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and can see Sheriff Pernell’s photo as long as many other wonderful artifacts housed in the museum, located at 101 South Marion Street, Latta.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon County News, LLC
Click to enlarge photo.
