Buford Pusser – A Tennessee Legend

Buford Pusser – A Tennessee Legend

By Andy Lee

Buford Pusser was a larger-than-life figure who became known as the sheriff who cleaned up corruption and crime in his small Tennessee town during the 1960s. He was born on December 12, 1937, in Finger, Tennessee, and grew up in the nearby town of Adamsville. Pusser was a tall, muscular man, standing over six feet tall and weighing over 200 pounds, which made him an imposing figure.

Pusser’s law enforcement career began in 1962 when he was appointed as a deputy sheriff in McNairy County, Tennessee. His reputation for being tough and uncompromising quickly earned him the nickname “Walking Tall.” However, it was his appointment as sheriff of McNairy County in 1964 that would thrust him into the national spotlight.

At the time, McNairy County was known for its illegal gambling, bootlegging, and prostitution. Pusser made it his mission to clean up the town and rid it of its criminal elements. He waged a relentless war against the corrupt and the lawless, often using his physical strength to enforce the law. Pusser would often carry a large club, which he called his “big stick,” and would use it to break up illegal activities and to defend himself against those who resisted arrest.

Pusser’s war against the criminal underworld was not without its dangers. In 1967, he was ambushed and shot eight times by unknown assailants, but he managed to survive the attack. The incident made national headlines and brought even more attention to Pusser’s crusade against crime. Pusser’s wife was also killed in a separate incident, which some speculated was connected to his ongoing battle with organized crime.

Despite the dangers he faced, Pusser continued to fight for justice in McNairy County. He was re-elected as sheriff three times, serving until 1970. After leaving office, Pusser remained a public figure and continued to speak out against corruption and crime. He even ran for sheriff again in 1974 but lost the election.

Pusser’s life inspired a series of movies, starting with the 1973 film “Walking Tall,” which starred Joe Don Baker as Pusser. The movie was a box office hit and spawned two sequels. In 2004, a remake of “Walking Tall” was released, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Pusser.

Buford Pusser’s legacy lives on to this day, with many viewing him as a hero who fought against corruption and crime in a time when it seemed to be rampant. While some have criticized his tactics and methods, there is no denying that Pusser made a significant impact on his community and inspired many to stand up for what is right.