LUCEDALE -- For several hours this morning, Stone County law enforcement took over duties for George County personnel who led the procession and took center stage to lay to rest their slain leader.
"It's a sad day," said Vicki Micelle, a receptionist at the George County Correctional Facility. "It's a very great loss."
Not all of the 42-member personnel at the jail attended funeral services for Sheriff Garry Welford. A skeletal crew remained on duty during a jail lock-down for services Monday morning.
Deputies and sheriff's department officials were among some 500 officers, according to news reports, from across the Gulf Coast who paid their respects to the sheriff and his family.
Approximately 1,500 people attended the services at Shady Grove Baptist Church, where some attendants braved sweltering 98 degree heat while standing outside to hear services for the two-term sheriff. Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant was reported to be among the crowd.
Five days after Welford was run over and killed July 21, allegedly by the girlfriend of a fleeing criminal suspect, he was laid to rest at the church cemetery just off Mississippi 26.
"He was a very great man," said Micelle. "I've known him for several, several years ... 20 something years."
Reporter Cherie Ward said George County deputies and commanders led the procession as it traveled from the George County Courthouse to Shady Grove Baptist Church, where Welford attended.
Christopher Lee Baxter, 24, and Brandy Williams, 18, have been charged with capital murder. Williams was driving the truck that hit Welford, according to law officials. Apparently, she was trying to avoid spike sticks placed on Bexley Road by Welford to stop the vehicle.
By early Monday afternoon, George County deputies had returned from the services for the two-term sheriff, who is survived by his wife, Debbie, three children, and seven grandchildren.
Facility employees carried on despite their heavy hearts, the receptionist said. Micelle said the day was hectic number of residents and visitors local and statewide present to remember and honor Welford.
"Everybody just got back," she said. "Other than being hot and sweaty, they are fixing to carry on with the day. They already have released the Stone County officers."
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