Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Tom Brantley and Deputy Sheriff Willie Jones were shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a subject at his home. The man's wife had obtained a warrant for assault with intent to murder as the result. As Sheriff Brantley and Deputy Jones approached the house an acquaintance of the man exited and informed them that the man had a loaded shotgun inside. As the officers walked on the porch the man opened fire, killing them both. The subject was convicted of two counts of murder and executed in the electric chair on November 8th, 1946. Sheriff Brantley had served with the Candler County Sheriff's Office for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-9B9811D2- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Tom. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Brantley gave the Candler County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Metter community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Brantley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Tom Watson Brantley 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%.
At Candler County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Tom Watson Brantley's cause is highlighted.
How Tom Watson Brantley Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1946
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Tom Watson Brantley is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Tom Watson Brantley was killed by shotgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Candler County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
