Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Willis Ferguson was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while helping a motorist change a tire on Highway 220 north of Collinsville during a rainstorm. The driver was apprehended and convicted of involuntary manslaughter, receiving a 12-month jail sentence. He also was sentenced to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine for leaving the scene of an accident. Deputy Ferguson was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran who served with the Henry County Sheriff's Office for one year. He had previously served with the Fieldale Police Department and Bassett Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-1A454376- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Willis. Claim this record.
Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army, salute.nw. One record, 3 gates. Willis is one person.
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 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.
Deputy Sheriff Ferguson gave the Henry County Sheriff's Office 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Martinsville community, and 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
Willis Herman Ferguson Sr. served in the U.S. Army (1952â1956) before joining law enforcement.
Deputy Sheriff Willis Herman Ferguson Sr. is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,759 officers honored here.
In VA, 394 of 655 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.2% of this state's fallen. That is 60.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Henry County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Willis Herman Ferguson Sr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Willis Herman Ferguson Sr. Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Willis Herman Ferguson Sr. is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Willis Herman Ferguson Sr. was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Military Service
Willis Herman Ferguson Sr. served in the U.S. Army (1952–1956) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Willis Herman Ferguson Sr.’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Henry County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
