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HUNTINGTON -- At 62, Gerald "Jerry" Waugh spent nearly two-thirds of his life working for the Cabell County Sheriff's Office. The 38-year, nine-month run ended with retirement in December.

The husband, father and grandfather of six hopes retirement will be one big vacation.

"There was a point and time where I knew it would come," he said.

Waugh's career wasn't well planned. He explained it was a product of opportunities that started with service as a military policeman in the U.S. Air Force. He returned home after three years, went to Marshall University and started looking for a job. He learned of a vacancy at the Cabell County Jail and the next 39 years fell into place.

"I started there with no intention whatsoever of making a career out of it," he said. "One thing progressed to another, and time goes on."

Waugh's career continued through seven sheriff administrations. He served one stint as chief deputy under then Sheriff Bob Bailey. He achieved the rank of lieutenant in October 2007. His retirement last month coincided with the end of Kim Wolfe's administration.

The retiree's tenure lasted longer than the lifetime of some of the department's newest deputies. His unwillingness to retire became a joke late in his career. People would ask when he planned on retiring. He gave a customary answer.

"I don't have 50 years in yet," Waugh would reply. "They would just kind of look at me and wink."

Waugh's wife, Cheryl, and her family are among those excited about the retirement. Cheryl Waugh anticipates little things, such as sitting beside her husband at Marshall University's football stadium. Next season will be the first time he hasn't worked security at the games.

Cheryl Waugh described her husband as a people person who loved his job.

"He never knows a stranger," she said. "He likes being around people. He loves to be out, just talking to people and saying, 'Hey, how are you doing?'"

Waugh said his long tenure allowed his wife time to develop a honey-do list. It starts with cleaning out the garage. His other plans include fishing, skeet shooting and traveling. Future destinations include Florida and the Rocky Mountains.

Waugh also looks forward to spending more time as a father and grandfather. He credits his grandchildren with keeping him on the leading edge of technology.

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Chris Harris/The Herald-Dispatch

Recently retired deputy sheriff, Gerald ÒJerryÓ Waugh stands outside his home after a day of cleaning up the yard and culking a new front door. Jerry referred to his retirement as an "extended vacation."

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Photo courtesy of Waugh family

Gerald "Jerry" Waugh, left, is pictured with Sheriff Kim Wolfe at his retirement ceremony in December. Waugh spent nearly two-thirds of his life working for the Cabell County Sheriff's Office.

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