The Godfather of Soul has "gone home," and Augusta officials said Sunday that the final send-off should make both James Brown and his fans proud.

James Brown Arena Manager Robert "Flash" Gordon said organizing the event was "hectic" but overall he said he felt it went smoothly.

The event was broadcast live on local television stations and was relayed to worldwide audiences.

The relative calm of the public service, or "homegoing" as many called it, was a testament to the respect people had for Mr. Brown, many of whom literally had the arena's doors shut in front of them when the event reached capacity, he said.

"I think more than anything else, that people were really about paying tribute to Mr. Brown and showing respect to the family," Mr. Gordon said. "I think it was understandable that they would be courteous and well behaved. Everything went real good."

Despite a crowd of thousands, there were no serious incidents, Sheriff Ronnie Strength said.

His office began organizing security for the event Wednesday and finally settled on placing 110 officers at the arena, with nine more patrolling the various off-site parking areas.

"We were extremely pleased with the outcome," said Sheriff Strength, who was on the floor of the arena during the "homegoing" service. "It was a very orderly crowd. We just did not have any problems."

Long after the event, an Illinois man reported being punched when he got too close to a news organization's vehicle, according to sheriff's office reports. However, no arrests were made and the officer did not see any marks to confirm the man's statement.

The lack of problems was a testament to Mr. Brown's legacy and to the city's ability to work together for a common cause, Mayor Deke Copenhaver said.

He said he spoke with Mr. Brown's family after the memorial service and they were pleased by city's response to the Godfather's death.

"I was extremely proud of how Augusta responded to his passing," Mr. Copenhaver said. "It was a fitting tribute to the man."

The service, however, did little to stop the crowds of mourners who continued to gather at his statue on Broad Street Sunday afternoon.

Diane Manghram, of Augusta, was able to get a coveted seat at the event Saturday, but said she decided to come back to the statue to take photos of her young son.

"I wanted to take a picture so he'll know when he gets older that he was living in a place where there was a really remarkable musician," she said.

Pennsylvania native Leroy Stearns, who was in town visiting family for Christmas, said he watched the service on television and was impressed by Augusta's warm treatment of its native son.

"I was very pleased with the way that the community reacted to the death of James Brown and how peaceful and respectful they are," Mr. Stearns said.

Reach Adam Folk at (706) 823-3339 or adam.folk@augustachronicle.com.

CHRIS THELEN/STAFF