(AP) -- ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) - Mourners at the funeral for Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams say he was a compassionate lawman who cared deeply about his county.
Multiple media outlets report thousands of family, friends and fellow officers came to an Orangeburg church on Monday to pay their final respects to Williams.
The 53-year-old sheriff died last week after spending three weeks in the hospital for an undisclosed illness. Williams' friends remember him as a crimefighter who also took great pains to keep children from getting involved with drugs.
Williams spent three decades in law enforcement in the area and served nearly 10 years as sheriff before his death.
Chief Deputy Barbara Walters has taken over as sheriff until a special election can be held in January.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
