Walking Tall is a popular action film that tells the story of a sheriff who takes on the criminal underworld in his small town. But did you know that the movie is based on a real person and his heroic deeds? In this article, we will explore the true story of Walking Tall and how Buford Pusser fought the Dixie Mafia.
Who Was Buford Pusser?
Buford Pusser was born on December 12, 1937, in Finger, Tennessee. He was a tall and athletic boy who excelled at sports, especially football and basketball. He joined the Marine Corps after high school, but was discharged due to asthma. He then moved to Chicago, where he became a professional wrestler under the name “Buford the Bull”. He married Pauline Mullins in 1959 and had two children, Mike and Dwana.
In 1962, Pusser and his family moved back to his hometown, where he was elected as the chief of police and constable of Adamsville, Tennessee. Two years later, he ran for sheriff of McNairy County and won, becoming the youngest sheriff in the state’s history at the age of 26. He soon gained a reputation for being tough and honest, as he cracked down on the illegal activities of the Dixie Mafia and the State Line Mob, two gangs that operated on the border between Tennessee and Mississippi. He also became famous for carrying a large wooden club, which he used to subdue criminals.
How Did Buford Pusser Fight the Dixie Mafia?
The Dixie Mafia and the State Line Mob were involved in various crimes, such as bootlegging, gambling, prostitution, robbery, and murder. They ran several establishments, such as the Shamrock Hotel and Casino, the Lucky Spot, and the Plantation Club, where they catered to their customers’ vices. They also had connections with corrupt politicians, judges, and law enforcement officers, who helped them evade justice.
Buford Pusser was determined to put an end to their reign of terror. He raided their businesses, confiscated their illegal goods, arrested their members, and testified against them in court. He also refused to accept any bribes or threats from them. He faced several assassination attempts from the mob, but he survived them all. He also killed several of their hitmen in self-defense, including Louise Hathcock, Carl “Towhead” White, and George McGann.
However, the most tragic event in Pusser’s life occurred on August 12, 1967, when he and his wife Pauline were ambushed by four gunmen on their way home from a county fair. Pauline was killed instantly, while Pusser was shot several times in the face and chest. He was left with severe injuries, including a shattered jaw and a blinded left eye. He underwent several surgeries and spent 18 days in the hospital. He later identified the shooters as Kirksey Nix, Gary McDaniel, Carl Douglas “T.W.” Brown, and George Albert McGann. However, only McGann was convicted, while the others escaped or were acquitted.
Despite his loss and pain, Pusser continued his war against the mob. He vowed to avenge his wife’s death and bring her killers to justice. He also ran for re-election as sheriff in 1968 and won by a landslide. He served two more terms as sheriff until 1970, when he retired from law enforcement. He then became a celebrity, as his story was adapted into a series of movies, books, and TV shows. He also planned to run for governor of Tennessee in 1974, but he died in a car crash on August 21, 1974, at the age of 36. Some people believe that his death was not an accident, but a final hit by the mob.
Why Is Buford Pusser’s Story Important?
Buford Pusser’s story is important because it shows the courage and determination of a man who stood up for what was right, even when he faced overwhelming odds and personal tragedy. He was a hero who fought for justice and peace in his community, and inspired many people with his actions. He was also a legend who left a lasting legacy in the history of Tennessee and the United States. He is remembered as the man who walked tall.
