Prev
Thomas M. Gravely
Incident
Investigator Thomas Gravely was shot and killed while raiding a still in Pulaski County with the sheriff, two deputies, and his son, who was going to drive the car and hide it during the operation. The still had been discovered the previous day near the narrow gauge railroad, approximately five miles northwest of Pulaski, and the officer had returned to apprehend the still's operators. As they arrived, a young lookout warned the operator that someone was approaching. The man attempted to flee armed with three weapons and a can of whiskey. He exchanged shots with two of the deputies and then proceeded in Investigator Gravely's direction. The suspect immediately fired twice with a 12-gauge shotgun, striking Investigator Gravely in the face, head, and neck. Investigator Gravely was transported to a hospital, where he remained until succumbing to his wounds six days later. The suspects were both arrested in connection with his murder. The shooter was sentenced to life in prison for the murder. Investigator Gravely had been with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmy08e60a7y77s1mka4s- 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 Thomas. 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.
Investigator Gravely gave the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority 4 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Investigator Gravely.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority - Bureau of Law Enforcement has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1938, 4 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1938, 111 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1938, 113 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 54. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 54. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 54. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 13%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority - Bureau of Law Enforcement. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority - Bureau of Law Enforcement has 2 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority - Bureau of Law Enforcement are honored on badge.nw.