Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Burleson was shot and killed while investigating a possible illegal moonshine still near the North Carolina - Tennessee border.
While attempting to locate the source of the wood smoke, Deputy Burleson was either ambushed or stumbled across the suspect(s) and was shot once in the abdomen. A guide ran for help, but due to the remote location, a rescue was delayed. Deputy Burleson was taken to his cousin's home, where he succumbed to his wound six hours later.
The suspect(s) were never identified or apprehended, and the case remains open.
Deputy Burleson had served with the Avery County Sheriff's Office for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpwx4fdg6d76r52z9cjr- 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 William. 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 Burleson gave the Avery County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Burleson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Avery County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1923, 1 officer at Avery County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1923, 6 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 48. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Avery County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 45 and 49; the middle age was 48. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 48. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 48. 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. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 48. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 40% of these deaths at Avery County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Thursdays: 40%.
April holds 10.1% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 16.1%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 5 deaths at Avery County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 1% 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 handgun; pistol, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Avery County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Avery County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
