Prev
Incident
Sheriff Charlie Gum was shot and killed after he and a deputy responded to investigate reports of a man causing a disturbance near McClung, Virginia. During the course of a boxing match, the suspect eventually picked up a piece of stovewood and beat his opponent, a young boy. Sheriff Gum was called and he responded to the lodge. Upon his arrival, he deputized a citizen to assist him. The suspect opened fire but was wounded when Sheriff Gum returned fire. The man was able to crawl off and was found dead the next day in a fence row nearby. The suspect's son picked up his father's gun and shot Sheriff Gum in the face, killing him instantly. The deputy wounded the young shooter, who was taken to a hospital in Clifton Forge to recover from his injuries. Some months later, the shooter was tried for the murder of Sheriff Gum and convicted. He was sentenced to 25 years in the state prison and ordered to never return to Bath County. Sheriff Gum had served with the Bath County Sheriff's Office for 27 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmydgrwk3rkgkn52b2a0- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Charlie. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
27 years. You could have gone home.
Sheriff Gum gave the Bath County Sheriff's Office 27 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Warm Springs community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Gum.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Charlie is the only officer of Bath County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Charlie is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Charlie is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charlie is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1929, 7 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charlie was 57. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Charlie had served 27 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charlie was 57. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Charlie had served 27 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charlie was 57. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charlie had served 27 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in VA, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Bath County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 14.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Bath County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.