Carmel Magazine

52 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 5 ecent controversy surrounding continued use of the Confederate flag in the South has again stirred debate about racism in America. For Carmel's Pat Duval, that's a concept he's lived with his entire life. Born and raised in the 1940s' Jim Crow South, this affable man's life arc has encompassed the seg- regation and bigoted violence of mid-20th century Florida to the accepting and embracing diversity of modern California. He's chronicled that journey in a book: "From Colored Town to Pebble Beach: The Story of the Singing Sheriff." Duval earned the moniker "The Singing Sheriff " owing to his dual careers as a Monterey County Sheriff 's Deputy and as a vocalist in nightclubs and at community events. He's held many jobs, includ- ing truck driver, service station attendant, pharmacy deliveryman, Army MP, real estate agent and Hollywood movie actor. Perhaps his greatest socie- tal achievement took place Aug. 30, 1967—the day he was sworn in as Monterey County's first African American deputy. His experience with white peo- ple to that point had been limited and mainly neg- ative so Duval was—and remains—amazed and humbled by the fact that the populace he served here was so kind and welcoming. His is a classic American tale, an uplifting story of a man who overcame society's prejudices to succeed beyond his wildest expectations. And he did that while serving his community through peace-keeping, and bringing smiles to many faces as an entertainer. Though retired after 30 years with the Sheriff 's department, Duval still croons on a regular basis at the Cypress Inn in Carmel and at other venues around town. Pat Duval's book is available at River House Books in The Crossroads and online at Amazon.com. —Michael Chatfield R icon Pat Duval "The Singing Sheriff," Retired Sheriff Deputy, Actor Photo: Kelli Uldall

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