Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Billy Smith and Deputy Sheriff Lloyd Clevenger were killed in an automobile crash while on patrol. The deputies were turning onto an on-ramp for I-40 when their vehicle was broadsided by a drunk driver who was driving without headlights on. Both deputies were killed instantly. The drunk driver was acquitted on a technicality. Deputy Smith had served with the Cocke County Sheriff's Department for four months.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtprc0pbzfx2cts27kcyb- 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 Billy. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Smith served with the Cocke County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Newport community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Cocke County Sheriff's Department has lost 9 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Billy is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Billy is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Billy is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1974, 2 officers at Cocke County Sheriff's Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1974, 5 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1974, 162 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1974, 178 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Billy was 26. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Cocke County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28.5 and 40.5; the middle age was 34. Billy had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Billy was 26. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Billy had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Billy was 26. 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. Billy had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Billy was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Billy had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 42.9% of these deaths at Cocke County Sheriff's Department, more than any other month. Fridays: 42.9%.
December holds 10.2% of these deaths in TN, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 77.8% of all 9 deaths at Cocke County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 28.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 3.2% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Cocke County Sheriff's Department has 9 officers remembered here, Billy among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Cocke County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
