Samuel Lewis served in the U.S. Army.
Sheriff Samuel Lewis was shot and killed while attempting to quell a disturbance at a local polling station. Tennessee's governor had sent the militia to the various polling stations in an attempt to control the polls in his favor. As a result, riots broke out around the state, including at the polling station in the town of Purdy. The local citizens called Sheriff Lewis to the location, and as he attempted to bring the two groups to peace, shots were fired. Sheriff Lewis, who was caught in the middle, received fatal wounds. Sheriff Lewis was a United States Civil War Union Army veteran and had served with the McNairy County Sheriff's Office for two 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.
Sheriff Lewis gave the McNairy County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Selmer 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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