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Willis Herman Ferguson Sr.
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Willis Ferguson was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while helping a motorist change a tire on Highway 220 north of Collinsville during a rainstorm. The driver was apprehended and convicted of involuntary manslaughter, receiving a 12-month jail sentence. He also was sentenced to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine for leaving the scene of an accident. Deputy Ferguson was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran who served with the Henry County Sheriff's Office for one year. He had previously served with the Fieldale Police Department and Bassett Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 2 gates. Willis is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Ferguson gave the Henry County Sheriff's Office 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Martinsville community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Willis Herman Ferguson Sr. served in the U.S. Army (1952â1956) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Henry County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Willis is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Willis is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Willis is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1975, 4 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1975, 163 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1975, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Willis was 46. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Willis had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Willis was 46. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Willis had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Willis was 46. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Willis had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 9.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 13%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Henry County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Henry County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Willis among them.
Where
Military Service
Willis Herman Ferguson Sr. served in the U.S. Army (1952–1956) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Willis Herman Ferguson Sr.’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Henry County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
