Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Willis was shot and killed by a suspect he was preparing to transport from the Taylor County Jail at 317 Pecan Street in Abilene to Dallas to be turned over to federal authorities.
As the suspect stepped out of his cell he drew a .32 caliber pistol from his clothes. Deputy Willis struck the suspect with a leather belt and the suspect fired one shot, killing Deputy Willis. The suspect was later shot and wounded by other officers. He was charged with the murder of Deputy Willis and executed on September 3, 1943.
Jesus Christ proclaimed, “Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy Merrimack, NH 03054
Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.) Nashua NH Police Department February 22nd, 2021
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-TX-F480A827- Stewardship
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- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Willis served with the Taylor County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Abilene community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Willis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Charles Wade Willis 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%.
At Taylor 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. Charles Wade Willis's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Wade Willis Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1943
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Wade Willis is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Wade Willis was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Taylor County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
