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Incident
Sheriff Winningham was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a man in the highway community of Clinton County.
He was shot in the man's home with a .38 caliber handgun. Sheriff Winningham, who was alone at the time, was able to return fire and killed the suspect.
Sheriff Winningham's father, Sheriff George Winningham, and brother, Deputy Floyd Winningham, both of Pickett County, Tennessee, were shot and killed while investigating a report of a murder on April 22, 1933, only three months before Sheriff Willie Winningham was murdered.
Sheriff Winningham had served with the Clinton County Sheriff's Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and mother. His wife was appointed to complete his term in office and became the county's first female sheriff.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and mother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Winningham gave the Clinton County Sheriff's Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Albany community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Winningham.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Clinton County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Willie is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Willie is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Willie 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 1933, 14 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Willie was 38. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Willie had served 7.5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Willie was 38. 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. Willie had served 7.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Willie was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Willie had served 7.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Clinton County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 1.6% 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; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Clinton County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, Willie among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Clinton County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
