by Karen Brune Mathis
Managing Editor
It was almost 50 years ago when John Roberts made what could be called a heel of himself.
Roberts is vice president of commercial lines and employee benefits with Wells Fargo Insurance Services and a member of the Meninak Club of Jacksonville.
When he was 18 years old in the summer of 1962, he sold shoes at the Purcell’s department store Downtown.
As a commissioned salesman in the “shoe salon,” Roberts was walking on air when a “very, very attractive, well-dressed lady” arrived to make a purchase and it was his turn to serve the customer.
The woman bought two pairs of alligator shoes and an alligator handbag, the most expensive purchases in the department.
He wrote up the ticket and presented it, pointing out the state sales tax.
“I wisecracked, ‘Here is the governor’s tip,’” recalls Roberts.
The woman presented her Purcell’s charge plate, showing her name: Mrs. Farris Bryant.
That would be as in the wife of the 34th governor of Florida, Cecil Farris Bryant, who served from 1961-65.
“She reacted very well,” said Roberts, 67. “She was very gracious.”
His boss didn’t react so well, but Roberts said Mrs. Bryant’s grace saved his job.
“I could have gotten fired. I was not.”
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