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Charles Perry, one of the founders of the Island Recreation Center, will wear the green and gold sash as the grand marshal of the 27th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. He's English, but parade organizers say they don't care.
"He is an individual who has done a lot for this community," said Rocky O'Sheill, one of the parade's organizers.
When Perry received the sash Wednesday at a ceremony honoring him at Reilley's Grill and Bar, he was humbled.
"I can think of a lot of people who deserve this more than me," he said.
When he was first told of the honor, parade organizer Kim Capin said, he asked, "Why me?"
"Why not?" she replied.
Perry discovered the island on a business trip in the 1960s with his brother and moved from Charlottesville, Va., in 1972. By day he operated Perry Printing, which his son still runs. When not at work, he poured his efforts into as many island organizations as he could, O'Sheill said, referring to him as one of the town's founding fathers.
Besides working to help found the recreation center, he also served as president of the Booster Club of Sea Pines Montessori Academy and the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island.
He's served on the boards of the Hilton Head Playhouse, Memory Matters and Regional Habitat for Humanity. He is active in Providence Presbyterian Church.
One of his longest-standing commitments is his service as the "Voice of the 9th Green" at each year's Verizon Heritage PGA Tour tournament, where he announces the players.
He's been doing the announcements for 24 years, with the exception of 2007. That year he was kept away by a bout with lung cancer, from which he says he has recovered. His voice is still deep, booming above the celebratory din at Reilley's.
When he opens the parade March 14, Patsy, his wife of 56 years, will be watching with his four children and nine grandchildren.
"The St. Patrick's Parade has become part of the heritage of Hilton Head, and this certainly is an honor," he said. "I absolutely love living here."
