Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Bill Lewis was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest man wanted for murdering Deputy James Stubblefield two months earlier.
Both were killed as a result of the Philpott-Griffin Feud. Their killer, Mart Smith, was reportedly shot and killed by another famous feudist, General May, in Knox County in 1909. As a result of the Philpott-Griffin Feud several men including law enforcement were killed in 1899.
It is important to note that many feuds occurred in Kentucky, and information about officers who lost their life as a result of them, is often confusing, contradictory, and refuted by others.
I reiterate my previous reflection with today being your day of sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) September 2nd, 2020
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-05AC4BB0- 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
127 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Lewis served with the Clay County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Manchester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Bill Lewis 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 KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Clay County Sheriff's Office, 8 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 88.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Bill Lewis's cause is highlighted.
How Bill Lewis Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Bill Lewis is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Bill Lewis was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Clay County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
