Memphis Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Tuesday, May 12, 1981
Add to My HeroesClarence Purvis Cox, Jr.
Lieutenant Clarence Cox was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect who was wanted for escape and for the murder of a priest.
He had encountered the subject near the intersection of N Lauderdale Street and Exchange Avenue and attempted to take him into custody.
The suspect was able to gain control of Lieutenant Cox's service weapon and shoot him with it. The man was later arrested in Jackson, Tennessee. He was sentenced to death but later murdered in prison by other death row inmates.
Lieutenant Cox was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Memphis Police Department for 22 years.
Bio
- Age 53
- Tour 22 years
- Badge 99
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Killed in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 18 ReflectionsI believe today would have been your 94th birthday. Rest in peace Lt. Cox. The citizens of Memphis have not forgotten your life, career and heroically humble sacrifice.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
January 18, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Hector Cuevas, Jr.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: March 17, 2025

Sergeant Joseph Anthony Azcona
Newark Police Division, NJ
EOW: March 8, 2025

Police Officer Felicia Dee Reilly
Saint Paul Police Department, MN
EOW: March 1, 2025