Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Law enforcement officers from around the community are remembering former Richmond County Sheriff Charles Webster who passed away over the weekend.

Webster, 80, died early Saturday morning after being diagnosed with liver cancer two weeks ago. His graveside service started at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Webster began serving the people of Richmond County in 1984. He was considered a staple in south Augusta politics and a mentor to many.

Current Sheriff Ronnie Strength says he spent a great deal of time with Sheriff Webster in his final days.

"I was with him alone, and he said, 'I'm ready, son.' And he is. And we know where he is today," Strength said. "He died while he was sleeping. That was a relief to all of us. We did not want him to suffer."

Webster's wife, Frances, passed away in 2010.

The family is asking, in lieu of flowers, that contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors, c/o Community Foundation for the CSRA, P.O. Box 31358, Augusta, GA 30903 or to The Golden Harvest Food Bank, 3310 Commerce Dr., Augusta, GA 30909.

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