The San Saba Commissioners' Court was surprised to learn that one of their members was planning to resign after serving 14 years, 11 months on the Court. Commissioner Wayland Perry was elected in January of 1993 and has served his constituents well. He has shown dedicated service to his faith, family, community, county, friends, and all of those who cross his path.

Wayland Perry is a native son of Cherokee, Texas and was born to Mary and Ross Perry in 1944. Exemplified by life experiences, Wayland feels that family is very important. He is a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Cherokee. He attended Cherokee schools, graduating from high school and attended Southwest Texas State College. Perry married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Kollmon, in 1964. He then went into the Army and was assigned to the 57th Signal Corps, serving from 1966 to 1968, including a Vietnam tour.

Wayland returned to Cherokee where he and Mary Ann ranched, raised turkeys, and then established "Perry's Plants," a commercial nursery. They have three children: Lance, who lives with his family in Cherokee; Clay, who also lives with his family in Cherokee; and Patience, who lives on their ranch in Pecos, Texas. The Perrys are landowners in other parts of Texas, but their hearts and home are here in San Saba County.

Wayland has been dedicated in his service to the Cherokee Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years. He also has served 10 years on the Cherokee School Board. The Cherokee Children's home has had a willing "helper" in Wayland Perry.

One of the most beautiful experiences of the Perry family was when God made available to them a lovely adopted family of six children whom they raised as their very own. These children are genuinely loved and appreciated and include: Michael, who is in the Air Force in North Carolina; Christein, who is a junior at Howard Payne University; Briana, who is a freshman at San Angelo State University; and Josh (16), Sara (15), and Gabriel (14), who all attend Cherokee schools.

Wayland wants everyone to know how much he appreciates everything everyone has done for him. His feelings run very deep, and while hard to express openly, are so sincere. His constituents are very important to him. Wayland will be missed by all, and we wish him God's speed.