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Incident
Shortly after sundown, Sheriff William R. McMullen along with his son, Foster, responded from his residence to reports of gunshots in the area of the town square in Homer. Shortly after the sheriff entered the town square he was shot and killed by an unknown person. As soon as the sheriff was shot, all the shooting stopped and those involved fled the scene.
Various reports in the newspapers and history books reported the shooting resulted in the death of as many as five people, and eighteen wounded. The shooting of Sheriff McMullen occurred shortly after the Civil War ended when factions who supported both the north and south were feuding in Angelina County. Locally the fighting became known as the Gilley War. Gilley family members were feuding with Windham family members. The person or persons responsible for the death of Sheriff William Read McMullen were not identified.
Sheriff McMullen was survived by his wife and six children. He is buried in the Homer Cemetery in Angelina County, Texas. He was a Civil War Veteran who was a first lieutenant in the 13th Texas Calvary, Company F.
Survivors
Sheriff McMullen was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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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.
Sheriff McMullen gave the Angelina County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lufkin community. Thank you 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
William Read McMullen served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Angelina County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 1,462 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,423 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William 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 1866, 3 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 158th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1866, 23 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 160th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1866, 26 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 160th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 47. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. William had served 2.7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 47. 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. William had served 2.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 47. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 2.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Angelina County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was unknown weapon, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,423 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was unknown weapon, in 4.4% 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 unknown weapon, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was unknown weapon, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Angelina County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Military Service
William Read McMullen served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit William Read McMullen’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Angelina County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
