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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Bud Willingham was killed in a vehicle pursuit of a suspected bootlegger.
He and his partner were chasing the man steep, curving section of highway in Abel's Gap when Deputy Willingham's car left the roadway and overturned. Both deputies were thrown from the vehicle. Deputy Willingham was killed while the other deputy was injured.
The other vehicle crashed a short distance away and the driver was arrested following a massive search.
Deputy Willingham served with the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office for seven years.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Willingham gave the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Heflin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Willingham.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Cleburne County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Troy is one of 182 officers lost to accidents in AL, 28.3% of the 643 remembered there.
Troy is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Troy 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 1962, 5 officers in AL were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 85 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 6.
In 1962, 69 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1962, 80 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 57th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Troy was 44. Of the 160 lost to accidents in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 47.3; the middle age was 36.5. Troy had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Troy was 44. 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. Troy had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Troy was 44. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Troy had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 7.1% of these deaths in AL; July holds the most, 13.2%. Mondays: 13.7%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Cleburne County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 28.3% of all 643 deaths in AL, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 8.8% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Cleburne County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Troy among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 18-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Cleburne County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.