Cleburne County Sheriff's Office, Alabama
End of Watch: Monday, April 30, 1962
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: April 30, 1962
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Deputy Sheriff Bud Willingham was killed in a vehicle pursuit of a suspected bootlegger.
He and his partner were chasing the man steep, curving section of highway in Abel's Gap when Deputy Willingham's car left the roadway and overturned. Both deputies were thrown from the vehicle. Deputy Willingham was killed while the other deputy was injured.
The other vehicle crashed a short distance away and the driver was arrested following a massive search.
Deputy Willingham served with the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office for seven years.