Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Corney McNish was shot and killed by a suspect who was holding his four sons hostage after murdering his wife, aunt, and aunt's friend in Marion the previous night. After the murders, the man returned to his home on the outskirts of Glade Spring and barricaded himself inside with his children and other family members as hostages. A fire started in the home after officers fired tear gas into it about 10 hours into the standoff. Deputy McNish was on the back porch of the home attempting to put out the fire when the suspect shot him in the chest with a rifle. The suspect then fled from the house and committed suicide minutes later. Deputy McNish had served with the Washington County Sheriff's Office for 30 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn53xpp6b03k9h1wx94x- 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 Orville. 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
30 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff McNish gave the Washington County Sheriff's Office 30 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Abingdon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff McNish.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Washington County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Orville is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Orville is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Orville is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1960, 5 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1960, 60 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1960, 61 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 132nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Orville was 53. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Orville had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Orville was 53. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Orville had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Orville was 53. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Orville had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Mondays: 13.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Washington County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 4.1% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Washington County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Orville among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Washington County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.