UNION COUNTY, Fla. – Funeral arrangements have been announced for Union County Sheriff Jerry Whitehead, who died Wednesday after a brief illness. Whitehead was 60.
His funeral is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Christian Church of Lake Butler.
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Burial will follow at Whitehead Cemetery.
A viewing will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches Inc., P.O. Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL 32064.
"Ann and I are saddened by the passing of Sheriff Whitehead," Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement Thursday. "He was a sheriff's sheriff. Sheriff Whitehead dedicated his life to protecting the families of Union County, and we are grateful for his nearly 30 years of service as sheriff. Our hearts and prayers are with Sheriff Whitehead's family during this difficult time."
Whitehead was elected in 1984 and started serving Union County as sheriff in 1985. He was the longest-serving sheriff in the state of Florida.
He was admitted Tuesday to North Florida Medical Center and died from cardiac failure, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Chief Deputy Garry Seay was sworn in as acting Sheriff Wednesday night. His term will last until Jan. 17.