Voting Station

Buford Pusser

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Crime Fighter

The Resume

    (December 12, 1937-August 21, 1974)
    Elected to 3 terms as sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee (1964-1970)
    Shot and killed two people during his tenure in self-defense
    'Walking Tall' movie series based on his life story:
    'Walking Tall (1973)' starred Joe Don Baker
    'Walking Tall Part II (1975),' 'Final Chapter: Walling Tall (1977)' and the TV series 'Walking Tall (1981)' starred Bo Svenson
    Made-for-TV movie 'A Real American Hero (1978)' starred Brian Dennehy
    Remake of 'Walking Tall (2004)' starring The Rock
    Died at 36 when the Corvette he was driving veered off the road, crashed and ejected him

Why he might be annoying:

    He dropped out of high school, but his mother begged him to go back and graduate. He reluctantly did so.
    As sheriff, he beat lawbreakers with a big, thick oak stick.
    Some say this tactic, which he called his 'equalizer,' was nothing more than vigilantism.
    Knowing he was a marked man, he allowed his wife to come with him on a call in what turned out to be an ambush. His wife was killed in a hail of bullets (August 12, 1967).
    He was accused of taking bribes, none of which were ever proven.
    Acting as technical advisor to the initial 'Walking Tall' movie, he confided to a newsman the story being told was about 60% accurate.
    His daughter Dwana is milking his legacy, operating a Buford Pusser gift shop, museum and restaurant.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He joined the U.S. Marine Corps but was medically discharged due to his asthma.
    After the discharge, he wrestled professionally (he was 6'6) under the name 'Buford the Bull.'
    He met his future wife through wrestling (she was a fan).
    He fought corruption in his county with enthusiasm, not bowing to the threats made by organized crime.
    He hired an African-American to be his deputy sheriff, the first in Tennessee history (later murdered by the mob).
    He survived many assassination attempts.
    He was shot 8 times, stabbed 7 times and in one assault needed 192 stitches to close his head wounds.
    The ambush that killed his wife left 11 bullet holes in his car and ripped a portion of his face apart.
    He spent 18 days in the hospital and missed his wife's funeral.
    The movie was a hugh success, so he began touring the country making personal appearances and was a hot ticket on the lecture circuit.
    Though his death was officially ruled an accident, many believe he was purposely run off the road, especially when state authorities quickly closed the case.

Credit: Scar Tactics


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2023, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 13 Votes: 84.62% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 5 Votes: 20.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 8 Votes: 37.50% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 26 Votes: 23.08% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 21 Votes: 47.62% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 43 Votes: 62.79% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 14 Votes: 64.29% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 16 Votes: 43.75% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 68 Votes: 48.53% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 61 Votes: 39.34% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 35 Votes: 48.57% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 103 Votes: 46.60% Annoying
    In 2006, Out of 145 Votes: 44.83% Annoying
    In 2005, Out of 456 Votes: 51.75% Annoying