Sonny Allan Smith served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years and 11 months. Sonny served during the years of the Cold War and Gulf War.
Auxiliary Deputy Sonny Smith was shot and killed as he and other deputies searched for a burglary suspect in the area of County Road 1723 at approximately 2:30 am.
He located the subject hiding in a wooded area and pursued him on foot. During the pursuit the man opened fire with a .22 caliber handgun, striking Deputy Smith in the neck. Despite the wound, Deputy Smith returned fire and wounded the subject. The man was then taken into custody.
Deputy Smith was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
On May 27, 2016, the 52-year-old suspect was found guilty of murder and burglary and sentenced to 28 years for murder and five years for burglary with the sentences to run concurrently.
Deputy Smith was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office for 11 years.
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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.
Auxiliary Deputy Smith gave the Johnson County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Clarksville community. Thank you 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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