By Betsy Finklea
Public service runs in the family, so it was no surprise when nine-year-old Douglas “DJ” Pernell, III, told his grandmother, Cynthia Pernell, that he wanted to do three service projects to honor the legacy of his grandfather, the late Sheriff Douglas Pernell while he spends his summer in Dillon.
DJ completed one of those projects today when along with his father, Douglas “Bryan” Pernell, Jr., he delivered a box of canned goods to the VFW Post 6091 food drive.
This all came about after Cynthia was telling DJ about all the things Douglas did for people in the community and the time he dedicated to others helping at their events. She told DJ about the great joy that Douglas got from helping other people.
DJ told Cynthia that he too would like to help people when he grew up, but he decided not to wait that long and take action now.
Cynthia said she gave DJ various ideas of things he could do to help the community. “He chose none of them,” Cynthia said.
One day, DJ heard Cynthia talking about the upcoming VFW canned food drive, and he asked her about it. He decided that this was an event he could support.
So DJ took the coins that he and Douglas had been saving and used that money to purchase canned goods for the veterans including one of his favorites, ravioli, which he just knew the veterans would love too. With the guidance of his grandmother, Cynthia, he purchased other canned goods also so there would be a mixture of items.
DJ also plans to work with Dillon County First Steps to hold an event for daycare children and wants to have a community clean-up.
DJ told Cynthia that he wished his grandfather was here to see him carry on his good work.
When DJ is not in Dillon visiting with his dad, Bryan, his grandmother, Cynthia, and his uncle, Kobe, he lives in Columbia with his mother, Melissa Holloway.
Pictured at top are Bryan and DJ Pernell making the delivery; and below, DJ Pernell with his grandfather’s badge, the late Sheriff Douglas Pernell, and Douglas Pernell and DJ shortly before Douglas’ passing.
