Roll of Honor
Incident
Town Marshal Matt Willard was shot and killed from ambush as he stood in a cotton patch in the outskirts of Flovilla at an early morning hour. Bloodhounds led the Butts County Sheriff to the home of a man who was arrested and charged with his murder.
Town Marshal Willard had problems with the suspect for several years. The suspect maintained that he was innocent even though there was a witness to the crime. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison February 27, 1913. He was paroled on April 21, 1921. On August 25, 1932, he was killed by a freight train in Flovilla. Officials think he fell asleep on the track.
Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us. Thank you for your heroism. GOD Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito Texas June 2nd, 2015
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- 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.
Town Marshal Willard gave the Flovilla Marshal's Office 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Flovilla community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Willard.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Town Marshal J. Matt Willard 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 GA, 548 of 903 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 6.5 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. J. Matt Willard's cause is highlighted.
How J. Matt Willard Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1921
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. J. Matt Willard is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. J. Matt Willard was killed by gun; unknown type.