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Incident
Sergeant William Cherry was killed in a vehicle crash on Highway 10, near Long Creek Road, at about 12:30 am.
He was traveling southbound when an oncoming vehicle crossed the center line and struck his patrol car head-on, causing him to suffer fatal injuries. The other driver suffered severe injuries. Neither Sergeant Cherry nor the other driver were wearing their seatbelts.
Sergeant Cherry had served with the Macon County Sheriff's Office for five years and had served in law enforcement for more than 10 years. He had previously served with the Red Boiling Springs Police Department, Clay County Sheriff's Office, and Celina County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and parents.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Cherry gave the Macon County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lafayette community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Cherry.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Macon County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 191 officers lost to accidents in TN, 24.8% of the 769 remembered there.
William is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2023, 2 officers in TN were lost to accidents, the 25th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 2000, with 6.
In 2023, 43 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 106th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2023, 46 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 110th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 55. Of the 183 lost to accidents in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 30.5 and 49; the middle age was 38. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 55. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 55. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.9% of these deaths in TN; September holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 16.8%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Macon County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 24.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Macon County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Macon County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
