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Incident
Deputy Willis was shot and killed by a suspect he was preparing to transport from the Taylor County Jail at 317 Pecan Street in Abilene to Dallas to be turned over to federal authorities.
As the suspect stepped out of his cell he drew a .32 caliber pistol from his clothes. Deputy Willis struck the suspect with a leather belt and the suspect fired one shot, killing Deputy Willis. The suspect was later shot and wounded by other officers. He was charged with the murder of Deputy Willis and executed on September 3, 1943.
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- August 2, 2026
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- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Willis served with the Taylor County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Abilene community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Willis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Taylor County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1942, 5 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1942, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1942, 120 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 52. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Charles was 52. 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.
Charles was 52. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 7.6% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Taylor County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.2% 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 handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Taylor County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Taylor County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.