Buford Hayse Pusser was the Sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee, from 1964 to 1970. Pusser
Buford Hayse Pusser was the Sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee, from 1964 to 1970. Pusser

is known for his virtual one-man war on moonshining, prostitution, gambling, and other vices on
is known for his virtual one-man war on moonshining, prostitution, gambling, and other vices on

the Mississippi-Tennessee state-line. His efforts have inspired several books, songs,
the Mississippi-Tennessee state-line. His efforts have inspired several books, songs,

movies, and a TV series. The Buford Pusser Museum was established at
movies, and a TV series. The Buford Pusser Museum was established at

the house he was in at the time of his death in 1974. A Buford Pusser Festival is held
the house he was in at the time of his death in 1974. A Buford Pusser Festival is held

each May in his hometown of Adamsville, Tennessee.
each May in his hometown of Adamsville, Tennessee.

Life and career Buford Pusser was born to Carl and Helen Pusser
Life and career Buford Pusser was born to Carl and Helen Pusser

in Finger, McNairy County, Tennessee. His father was the police chief of Adamsville,
in Finger, McNairy County, Tennessee. His father was the police chief of Adamsville,

Tennessee. Buford Pusser was a high school football and basketball player and was 6 feet
Tennessee. Buford Pusser was a high school football and basketball player and was 6 feet

6 inches tall. He joined the United States Marine Corps when he graduated from high school.
6 inches tall. He joined the United States Marine Corps when he graduated from high school.

His service ended during his United States Marine Corps Recruit Training, when he was
His service ended during his United States Marine Corps Recruit Training, when he was

given a medical discharge for asthma. In 1957, he moved to Chicago, where he married
given a medical discharge for asthma. In 1957, he moved to Chicago, where he married

his wife, Pauline, on December 5, 1959. Pusser returned home in 1962. He was Adamsville's
his wife, Pauline, on December 5, 1959. Pusser returned home in 1962. He was Adamsville's

police chief and constable from 1962 to 1964. He then was elected sheriff of McNairy County,
police chief and constable from 1962 to 1964. He then was elected sheriff of McNairy County,

Tennessee, after incumbent sheriff, James Dickey was killed in a freak auto accident,
Tennessee, after incumbent sheriff, James Dickey was killed in a freak auto accident,

becoming the youngest sheriff in Tennessee's history. Pusser promptly began trying to eliminate
becoming the youngest sheriff in Tennessee's history. Pusser promptly began trying to eliminate

the Dixie Mafia and the State Line Mob. Pusser survived several assassination attempts.
the Dixie Mafia and the State Line Mob. Pusser survived several assassination attempts.

On February 1, 1966, Louise Hathcock attempted to kill Pusser during an on-site investigation
On February 1, 1966, Louise Hathcock attempted to kill Pusser during an on-site investigation

of a robbery complaint at The Shamrock. Hathcock fired on Pusser with a concealed .38 pistol.
of a robbery complaint at The Shamrock. Hathcock fired on Pusser with a concealed .38 pistol.

Pusser returned fire and killed Hathcock. On January 2, 1967, Pusser was shot three
Pusser returned fire and killed Hathcock. On January 2, 1967, Pusser was shot three

times by an unidentified gunman. Already a local hero, Pusser's "war" on the
times by an unidentified gunman. Already a local hero, Pusser's "war" on the

State Line Mob was brought to national prominence when his wife, Pauline, was killed on August
State Line Mob was brought to national prominence when his wife, Pauline, was killed on August

12, 1967, during an assassination ambush intended for him. Pusser named Kirksey McCord Nix,
12, 1967, during an assassination ambush intended for him. Pusser named Kirksey McCord Nix,

Jr. as the contractor of his wife's killers, although Nix was never charged with the crime.
Jr. as the contractor of his wife's killers, although Nix was never charged with the crime.

Pusser shot and killed an intoxicated Charles Russell Hamilton on December 25, 1968, after
Pusser shot and killed an intoxicated Charles Russell Hamilton on December 25, 1968, after

responding to a complaint that Hamilton had threatened his landlord with a gun.
responding to a complaint that Hamilton had threatened his landlord with a gun.

Pusser was ineligible for re-election in 1970 due to the term limit then in effect. He was
Pusser was ineligible for re-election in 1970 due to the term limit then in effect. He was

defeated in his bid as sheriff in 1972. Pusser blamed the loss to incumbent Sheriff Clifford
defeated in his bid as sheriff in 1972. Pusser blamed the loss to incumbent Sheriff Clifford

Coleman in part on the controversy surrounding the making of the semi-biographical movie,
Coleman in part on the controversy surrounding the making of the semi-biographical movie,

Walking Tall. He was re-elected as constable of Adamsville by a majority of voters who
Walking Tall. He was re-elected as constable of Adamsville by a majority of voters who

wrote in his name on their ballots. He served as constable for two more years.
wrote in his name on their ballots. He served as constable for two more years.

Death Pusser died on August 21, 1974 from injuries
Death Pusser died on August 21, 1974 from injuries

sustained in a one-car automobile accident. Earlier in the day, Pusser had contracted
sustained in a one-car automobile accident. Earlier in the day, Pusser had contracted

with Bing Crosby Productions in Memphis to portray himself in the sequel to Walking Tall.
with Bing Crosby Productions in Memphis to portray himself in the sequel to Walking Tall.

That evening, Pusser, returning home alone from the McNairy County Fair in his specially
That evening, Pusser, returning home alone from the McNairy County Fair in his specially

and powerfully modified Corvette, struck an embankment at high speed, ejecting him from
and powerfully modified Corvette, struck an embankment at high speed, ejecting him from

the vehicle. The car caught fire and burned. Speculation as to cause included rumors of
the vehicle. The car caught fire and burned. Speculation as to cause included rumors of

sabotage to the steering mechanism and the tie-rods. The Tennessee State Trooper who
sabotage to the steering mechanism and the tie-rods. The Tennessee State Trooper who

worked the accident, Paul Ervin, later became McNairy County sheriff. Both Pusser's mother,
worked the accident, Paul Ervin, later became McNairy County sheriff. Both Pusser's mother,

Helen and his daughter, Dwana believed he was murdered. Dwana, who was a passenger in
Helen and his daughter, Dwana believed he was murdered. Dwana, who was a passenger in

another car, came upon the scene of the accident moments later. No autopsy of Pusser's body
another car, came upon the scene of the accident moments later. No autopsy of Pusser's body

was performed. As sheriff, Pusser had survived seven stabbings and eight shootings. Pusser's
was performed. As sheriff, Pusser had survived seven stabbings and eight shootings. Pusser's

memorial service was held at the Adamsville Church of Christ.
memorial service was held at the Adamsville Church of Christ.

Location of crash site: 35°12′21″N 88°27′35.7″W Murder of Pauline Pusser
Location of crash site: 35°12′21″N 88°27′35.7″W Murder of Pauline Pusser

According to Pusser, on the pre-dawn morning of August 12, 1967, Pusser's phone rang, informing
According to Pusser, on the pre-dawn morning of August 12, 1967, Pusser's phone rang, informing

him of a disturbance call on New Hope Road in McNairy County. He responded, with his
him of a disturbance call on New Hope Road in McNairy County. He responded, with his

wife Pauline joining him for this particular ride. Shortly after they passed the New Hope
wife Pauline joining him for this particular ride. Shortly after they passed the New Hope

Methodist Church, a car came alongside Pusser's; and the occupants opened fire, killing Pauline
Methodist Church, a car came alongside Pusser's; and the occupants opened fire, killing Pauline

and leaving Pusser, who had suffered a bullet wound to the chin, for dead. He spent eighteen
and leaving Pusser, who had suffered a bullet wound to the chin, for dead. He spent eighteen

days in the hospital before returning home and would need several more surgeries to restore
days in the hospital before returning home and would need several more surgeries to restore

his appearance, Pusser vowed to bring all involved with his
his appearance, Pusser vowed to bring all involved with his

wife's death to justice. He identified four assassins: Louise Hathcock's former boyfriend,
wife's death to justice. He identified four assassins: Louise Hathcock's former boyfriend,

Carl Douglas "Towhead" White, George McGann, Gary McDaniel, and Kirksey Nix; but he later
Carl Douglas "Towhead" White, George McGann, Gary McDaniel, and Kirksey Nix; but he later

changed his story as to who the assassins were when he couldn't identify them from pictures
changed his story as to who the assassins were when he couldn't identify them from pictures

and in person. On April 4, 1969 White was gunned down in front of the El Ray Motel on
and in person. On April 4, 1969 White was gunned down in front of the El Ray Motel on

U.S. Highway 45 in Corinth, Mississippi. The alleged triggerman was a small-time hood
U.S. Highway 45 in Corinth, Mississippi. The alleged triggerman was a small-time hood

named Berry Smith. W.R. Morris, author of The State Line Mob: A True Story of Murder
named Berry Smith. W.R. Morris, author of The State Line Mob: A True Story of Murder

and Intrigue, wrote in 1990 that Pusser himself had hired the hit man who killed White with
and Intrigue, wrote in 1990 that Pusser himself had hired the hit man who killed White with

one shotgun blast to the head. In late 1970, both McDaniel and McGann were found shot to
one shotgun blast to the head. In late 1970, both McDaniel and McGann were found shot to

death in Texas. According to Edward Humes in Mississippi Mud: Southern Justice and the
death in Texas. According to Edward Humes in Mississippi Mud: Southern Justice and the

Dixie Mafia, Pusser was suspected by some law enforcement officials of having killed
Dixie Mafia, Pusser was suspected by some law enforcement officials of having killed

both. However, McGann was killed as a result of an unrelated matter by one Ronny Weeden,
both. However, McGann was killed as a result of an unrelated matter by one Ronny Weeden,

who was tried and convicted of the crime. Pusser never brought Kirksey Nix to justice.
who was tried and convicted of the crime. Pusser never brought Kirksey Nix to justice.

Nix was sentenced to the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola for the Easter Saturday 1971 murder
Nix was sentenced to the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola for the Easter Saturday 1971 murder

of a New Orleans grocer, Frank J. Corso. Nix was later involved in the 1987 murder-for-hire
of a New Orleans grocer, Frank J. Corso. Nix was later involved in the 1987 murder-for-hire

of Judge Vincent Sherry and his wife Margaret, in Biloxi, Mississippi. His co-conspirator,
of Judge Vincent Sherry and his wife Margaret, in Biloxi, Mississippi. His co-conspirator,

Biloxi Mayor Pete Halat, had stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars from Nix and blamed
Biloxi Mayor Pete Halat, had stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars from Nix and blamed

it on his law partner, Judge Sherry. Nix ordered a hit from prison and was later sentenced
it on his law partner, Judge Sherry. Nix ordered a hit from prison and was later sentenced

to isolation for the rest of his life. Nix has repeatedly refused to comment about Pusser's
to isolation for the rest of his life. Nix has repeatedly refused to comment about Pusser's

claims that he was one of Pauline Pusser's killers.
claims that he was one of Pauline Pusser's killers.

Pop culture
Pop culture

Pusser was the subject of three biographical books written by W.R. Morris: The Twelfth
Pusser was the subject of three biographical books written by W.R. Morris: The Twelfth

Of August: The Story of Buford Pusser, Buford: True Story of "Walking Tall" Sheriff Buford
Of August: The Story of Buford Pusser, Buford: True Story of "Walking Tall" Sheriff Buford

Pusser and The State Line Mob: A True Story of Murder and Intrigue. In addition, Morris
Pusser and The State Line Mob: A True Story of Murder and Intrigue. In addition, Morris

also created a pictorial history book of Buford called The Legacy of Buford Pusser: A Pictorial
also created a pictorial history book of Buford called The Legacy of Buford Pusser: A Pictorial

History of the "Walking Tall" Sheriff. Pusser's daughter Dwana, released a book in 2009 entitled
History of the "Walking Tall" Sheriff. Pusser's daughter Dwana, released a book in 2009 entitled

"Walking On," which is also an account of his life.
"Walking On," which is also an account of his life.

The 1973 movie, Walking Tall was based on Pusser's true story. It was a combination
The 1973 movie, Walking Tall was based on Pusser's true story. It was a combination

of very loosely based fact and Hollywood revisionism. This has since become a well known cult classic
of very loosely based fact and Hollywood revisionism. This has since become a well known cult classic

with two direct sequels of its own in 1975 and 1977, a TV movie in 1978 and a brief TV
with two direct sequels of its own in 1975 and 1977, a TV movie in 1978 and a brief TV

series in 1981. A remake by the same name was released in
series in 1981. A remake by the same name was released in

2004 as a somewhat less realistic and more mainstream film. Also dedicated to Pusser,
2004 as a somewhat less realistic and more mainstream film. Also dedicated to Pusser,

the remake stars Dwayne Johnson and again takes liberties with the story, giving the
the remake stars Dwayne Johnson and again takes liberties with the story, giving the

action a more modern setting and premise. In this version the main character is not
action a more modern setting and premise. In this version the main character is not

referred to as Buford Pusser but as Chris Vaughn.
referred to as Buford Pusser but as Chris Vaughn.

After the success of the 2004 film, Walking Tall: The Payback was released in 2007 direct-to-video.
After the success of the 2004 film, Walking Tall: The Payback was released in 2007 direct-to-video.

The main character's name was changed to Nick Prescott, and the movie was set in the Dallas
The main character's name was changed to Nick Prescott, and the movie was set in the Dallas

area. Later that year on September 25, 2007 Kevin Sorbo returned in Walking Tall: Lone
area. Later that year on September 25, 2007 Kevin Sorbo returned in Walking Tall: Lone

Justice. References
Justice. References

Printed Sources Morris, W.R.. The State Line Mob. Rutledge
Printed Sources Morris, W.R.. The State Line Mob. Rutledge

Hill Press. ISBN 1-55853-861-5.  External links
Hill Press. ISBN 1-55853-861-5.  External links

Official website Official Buford Pusser Museum Home Page
Official website Official Buford Pusser Museum Home Page

Buford Pusser Gravesite History of Buford Pusser
Buford Pusser Gravesite History of Buford Pusser

Tennessee Historical Marker for Buford Pusser Video about Buford Pusser on YouTube
Tennessee Historical Marker for Buford Pusser Video about Buford Pusser on YouTube