Samuel D. Willis served in the U.S. Army.
Sheriff Sam Willis was shot and killed while standing in his yard at 219 East Stone Avenue in Greenville by an assassin hired by the former sheriff of Greenville County. After Sheriff Willis was murdered, the former sheriff was appointed to the position until the new election. He attempted to frame Sheriff Willis' wife and another deputy for the murder. Both were acquitted. The suspect was arrested two years later for public drunkenness. While in jail, he confessed that he shot Sheriff Willis after the former sheriff offered to pay $500 to kill him, but he was only paid $50. The former sheriff threatened to kill him if he told anyone. The assassin was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. After many mistrials, a former Greenville County Deputy Sheriff and the former sheriff were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison on December 12, 1930. Both were pardoned by Governor Olin D. Johnston on January 2, 1939. Sheriff Willis was a WWI U.S. Army veteran. He was appointed sheriff of the Grenville Sheriff's Office from 1919 to 1920 and won the election in 1924.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sheriff Willis gave the Greenville County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Greenville community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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