Judge Matthew Perry Remembered

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Civil rights pioneer and long-time federal judge Matthew Perry Jr. is being remembered for transforming segregationist South Carolina with his relentless pursuit of justice and love of the law. Perry’s funeral was held Thursday in West Columbia. Perry was buried in Columbia following the service. Retired U.S. Senator Fritz Hollings and U.S. Rep. James Clyburn were among those offering tributes. Perry was found dead in his home Sunday by a relative coming to cook dinner. Authorities think he died last Friday after coming home from work. He would have turned 90 Wednesday. Perry became the first black federal judge in South Carolina in 1975 after spending decades as a lawyer fighting for civil rights. (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)