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Incident
Sheriff Tom Brantley and Deputy Sheriff Willie Jones were shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a subject at his home. The man's wife had obtained a warrant for assault with intent to murder as the result. As Sheriff Brantley and Deputy Jones approached the house an acquaintance of the man exited and informed them that the man had a loaded shotgun inside. As the officers walked on the porch the man opened fire, killing them both. The subject was convicted of two counts of murder and executed in the electric chair on November 8th, 1946. Sheriff Brantley had served with the Candler County Sheriff's Office for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
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 Brantley gave the Candler County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Metter community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Brantley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Candler County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Tom is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Tom is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Tom 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 1945, 3 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1945, 68 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 105th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1945, 70 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 108th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Tom was 52. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Tom had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Tom was 52. 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. Tom had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Tom was 52. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Tom had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Wednesdays: 12.4%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Candler County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 8.6% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Candler County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Tom among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Candler County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.