Story Created:
Apr 17, 2009 at 8:01 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Apr 17, 2009 at 10:22 PM CDT
Meet retired Sheriff Ray Wilkes. In 1952 he was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff for Bibb County…and for the next 42 years he wore his badge with pride.
Ray Wilkes / Retired Bibb County Sheriff
“Well I always say…I appreciate to the people of Bibb County to give me a chance. I came off of a cotton mill village, and chances were very slim. And they gave me a chance to be Sheriff of this county. And then I tried to return it by making the very best that I could do.”
Ray Wilkes / Retired Bibb County Sheriff
From 1976 to 1992 Mr. Wilkes accomplished a lot as Sheriff. He built the largest law enforcement center in the region…and put together a team of well-trained and well-equipped officers. He also found time to be in a few movies…like Wise Blood directed by John Huston. Today Sheriff Wilkes has written a book full of stories from over four decades of service. But says when it’s all said and done…what he hopes people remember about him is simple.
“Well…I want people to remember. Number one…I was honest…I did my best…to look after their interest. “
And that’s this weeks Fox In Focus.
