Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Spradley was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance. Patrolman Spradley was assigned at East Main Street and North Mound Street to direct traffic during the Nacogdoches Christmas parade on December 2, 1948. After the parade, there was a disturbance at a nearby small clothing shop. Patrolman Spradley was summoned and the man who was causing problems shot Patrolman Spradley with a shotgun. Patrolman Spradley was able to return two rounds, but it did not affect the shooter. Patrolman Spradley was taken to Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries. The shooter was convicted of the murder and was sentenced to three years in prison but was pardoned by the governor after serving only one year. Patrolman Spradley was due to retire in three weeks at the time of his death.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-E0C48DF3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Spradley served with the Nacogdoches Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Nacogdoches community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Spradley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Bennett T. Spradley is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In TX, 1,463 of 2,421 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Bennett T. Spradley's cause is highlighted.
How Bennett T. Spradley Compares
Offender Outcome
Pardoned after serving one year
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Bennett T. Spradley is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Bennett T. Spradley was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.