Sheriff Buford Pusser; Survivor Of Seven Stabbings And Eight Shootings.

Buford Pusser's life story reads like an intense crime drama, filled with grit, determination, and tragedy. Known for his fierce stance against organised crime in Tennessee during the 1960s, Pusser became a larger-than-life figure who transcended the role of a local sheriff, eventually becoming a symbol of justice in the face of overwhelming adversity. His battles with the Dixie Mafia and the State Line Mob, and his unrelenting quest for revenge after the murder of his wife, Pauline, solidified his place in American folklore. Yet, his life ended abruptly and mysteriously, leaving behind a legacy steeped in both heroism and controversy.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Buford Hayse Pusser was born on 12 December 1937, in McNairy County, Tennessee. He was the son of Carl and Helen Pusser, with his father serving as the police chief of Adamsville, Tennessee. From an early age, Buford exhibited traits of toughness and strength, which would define his later career. Standing at a formidable 6’6”, Pusser was an accomplished athlete, excelling in both football and basketball during his high school years.

After high school, Pusser briefly joined the U.S. Marines but was discharged due to asthma, a condition that had plagued him throughout his life. In 1957, seeking new opportunities, Pusser moved to Chicago, where he entered the world of professional wrestling. His imposing size and strength earned him the nickname “Buford the Bull,” and he became a popular figure in the wrestling scene.

It was also in Chicago that Pusser met Pauline Mullins, who would become his wife. The couple married on 5 December 1959, and soon after, they returned to Adamsville, where Pusser would begin his law enforcement career. In 1962, at the age of 25, Pusser was elected as the chief of police and constable in Adamsville, a role he held for two years.

Becoming Sheriff and the Battle Against Organised Crime

The turning point in Pusser’s life came on 1 August 1964, when McNairy County Sheriff James Dickey died in a car accident. Dickey’s untimely death left a vacancy in the sheriff's office, and Pusser, who was well-known in the community for his tough and uncompromising approach, was elected to fill the position. At 27 years old, Buford Pusser became the youngest sheriff in Tennessee’s history.

Pusser immediately set his sights on combating organised crime in McNairy County, specifically targeting the Dixie Mafia and the State Line Mob. These groups were involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including the illegal production and sale of moonshine, gambling, prostitution, robbery, and murder. The State Line Mob, in particular, was notorious for operating along the Mississippi-Tennessee border, making large profits from their illegal enterprises.

Pusser’s approach to law enforcement was direct and aggressive. He personally destroyed illegal gambling equipment, often with a pick-axe, and was known for his hands-on approach to fighting crime. His reputation as a no-nonsense lawman quickly spread, making him a target for the criminal organisations he sought to dismantle.

In November 1964, just a few months after taking office, Pusser survived an assassination attempt when he was stabbed seven times by gang members. This incident marked the beginning of a series of attempts on his life, as Pusser became increasingly embroiled in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with the Dixie Mafia and the State Line Mob. Despite being shot eight times and even run over by a car during his tenure, Pusser remained undeterred.

In 1965 alone, Pusser shut down 87 whiskey stills, striking a significant blow to the illegal moonshine trade. He also fought off multiple physical attacks, including an incident where he single-handedly subdued six men, sending three to the hospital and the other three to jail. Pusser’s relentless pursuit of justice made him a hero to many, but it also brought unimaginable danger to him and his family.

The Murder of Pauline Pusser

The most devastating event in Buford Pusser’s life occurred just before dawn on 12 August 1967. Pusser received a call about a disturbance near the Mississippi-Tennessee state line. Despite the early hour, Pauline insisted on accompanying her husband on the investigation, a decision that would prove fatal.

As they drove through the quiet streets of Adamsville, a second car pulled up alongside them. Without warning, the occupants of the vehicle opened fire on the Pussers' car. Buford was severely wounded, with his jaw being almost completely shot off, but he survived. Tragically, Pauline was killed in the attack, leaving Buford devastated.

The ambush was believed to have been orchestrated by the Dixie Mafia, with the gang's leader, Kirksey McCord Nix Jr., suspected as the mastermind behind the attack. However, despite Pusser’s efforts to bring those responsible to justice, none of the alleged assassins were ever brought to trial. Nix was later sentenced to life in prison for the unrelated murder of Frank Corso, a grocery executive, in 1972.

In the aftermath of his wife’s murder, Buford Pusser was consumed by a desire for revenge. He vowed to bring those responsible to justice, even if it was the last thing he did. His determination to avenge Pauline’s death only intensified his already fierce crackdown on organised crime, turning him into a folk hero across Tennessee and beyond.

Buford Pusser’s Quest for Revenge

Pusser’s pursuit of his wife’s killers became the stuff of legend. Although he was never able to see them convicted in a court of law, the three other alleged hitmen met violent ends. Carl Douglas “Towhead” White, one of the accused, was found shot to death in Mississippi in 1969. Rumours circulated that Pusser had hired someone to kill White, although these claims were never substantiated.

In 1970, the last two alleged hitmen, George McGann and Gary McDaniel, were also found shot to death in Texas. Once again, speculation arose that Pusser had orchestrated their murders, but there was no definitive proof linking him to the crimes. The deaths of these men only added to the aura surrounding Buford Pusser, portraying him as a man who would stop at nothing to avenge his wife.

Throughout this period, Pusser’s reputation as a lawman who stood up to organised crime grew. He became a symbol of justice and resistance, a man who refused to be intimidated by the criminals who operated in his county. His story was further immortalised in the 1973 film Walking Tall, which depicted his battle against the Dixie Mafia and the tragic loss of his wife. The film’s success helped to cement Pusser’s status as an American folk hero, and it led to several sequels and remakes in the following years.

The Mysterious Death of Buford Pusser

Buford Pusser’s life came to a sudden and mysterious end on 21 August 1974. While driving his Corvette near Adamsville, Pusser lost control of the vehicle, which then crashed into an embankment and burst into flames. Pusser was killed instantly in the crash. He was just 36 years old.

The circumstances surrounding Pusser’s death have long been the subject of speculation and controversy. While the crash was officially ruled an accident, many of Pusser’s loved ones, including his daughter, Dwana, believed that he was murdered. They pointed to the fact that Kirksey Nix, the Dixie Mafia leader, had been able to order murders from prison as evidence that Pusser’s death may have been orchestrated by those seeking revenge against him.

Despite these suspicions, no investigation into Pusser’s death was ever conducted, and the true cause of the crash remains a mystery. What is clear, however, is that Buford Pusser’s death marked the end of an era. He left behind a legacy of courage and tenacity, a legacy that continues to be remembered and celebrated in Tennessee and beyond.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Buford Pusser’s life and career have left an indelible mark on American culture. He is remembered not only as a lawman who took on organised crime but also as a symbol of justice and integrity. His story has inspired books, films, and television shows, ensuring that his legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come.

In Adamsville, the Buford Pusser Home and Museum stands as a testament to his life and career. The museum, housed in Pusser’s former home, is filled with memorabilia from his time as sheriff, including the Corvette in which he died. It serves as a reminder of the impact that one man can have on his community and the lengths to which he was willing to go in his pursuit of justice.

Tina Jarrell, the curator of the Buford Pusser Home and Museum, perhaps best summed up Pusser’s legacy: “Buford was a legend. He was fighting against the mob, the state line mob, and they were very evil, mean people, and he stood up to them and wouldn’t take a bribe, like everyone else had in the past, and he just, he really made an impact on society.”

Sheriff Buford Pusser’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to justice, his willingness to stand up to powerful criminal organisations, and his relentless pursuit of those who took his wife from him. His story is one of tragedy, courage, and an enduring legacy that continues to captivate people today. Whether seen as a hero or vigilante, Pusser remains a powerful symbol of what it means to fight for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. His mysterious death only adds to the mythos surrounding his life, ensuring that Buford Pusser will remain an iconic figure in American history.

Sources

"Buford Pusser: The Legend of the Tennessee Lawman" - The New York Times Archive

"The Murder of Pauline Pusser and Buford's Revenge" - WBBJ-TV News Coverage

"The Buford Pusser Museum" - Adamsville, Tennessee Historical Records

"Walking Tall: The Buford Pusser Story" - Film and Cultural Impact Analysis

"The Dixie Mafia and State Line Mob" - Tennessee Law Enforcement Historical Review

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