Buford Pusser: The Real "Walking Tall" & His Legacy Today

25 May, 2025

Did you know that the life of a real-life sheriff inspired a Hollywood film that captivated audiences and became a cultural touchstone? The story of Buford Pusser, the Walking Tall sheriff, is a testament to courage, resilience, and the fight against injustice.

The name Joe Don Baker might not immediately ring a bell for everyone, but his portrayal of Buford Pusser in the 1973 film "Walking Tall" etched him into cinematic history. Baker, a talented American actor, unfortunately, passed away with a net worth of $2 million, leaving behind a legacy that included iconic roles. But the film wasnt just a fictional tale; it was a dramatization of the extraordinary life of a man who took on the rampant crime in McNairy County, Tennessee, in the 1960s and 70s.

Category	Details
Full Name	Buford Hayse Pusser
Born	December 12, 1937, in Finger, McNairy County, Tennessee
Died	August 21, 1974, near Selmer, Tennessee (car accident)
Occupation	Sheriff, Lawman
Served as Sheriff	McNairy County (1964-1970)
Also Served as	Constable of Adamsville (1970-1972)
Known For	His relentless fight against crime and his role in the "Walking Tall" film.
Education	High School
Spouse	Pauline Mullins Pusser (deceased)
Children	Mike Pusser
Net Worth (at time of death)	Estimated $1 million - $2 million
Salary as Sheriff	$12,000 per year plus a $500 per month expense account
Other Sources of Income	Royalties from books and movies
Inspirational Factor	He was a sports person in his early years
Reference	Wikipedia - Buford Pusser

Buford Pussers life was a compelling narrative of a man who defied the odds. Born on December 12, 1937, in Finger, McNairy County, Tennessee, to Helen and Carl Pusser, he grew into a physically imposing figure. His athletic prowess, evident in his high school basketball and football days, foreshadowed the strength he would need to confront the lawlessness that plagued his community.

Pusser's commitment to cleaning up McNairy County was unwavering. He served as sheriff from 1964 to 1970, a period marked by his fierce opposition to illegal activities, including moonshining, gambling, and other criminal enterprises. His tenure was not without peril; he faced numerous assassination attempts, stabbings, and shootings. Tragically, his wife, Pauline, was killed and he lost part of his jaw in a car ambush in 1967, a harrowing event that further fueled his determination.

The story of Buford Pusser, as depicted in the movie "Walking Tall," brought his battles to a wider audience. The film, starring Joe Don Baker, vividly portrayed Pusser's relentless crusade. Released in 1973, the film quickly became a hit. His story was later adapted to other Hollywood adaptations. He even agreed to star in a sequel of "Walking Tall" but died on the 21st of August 1974 in a fatal car accident near Selmer, Tennessee, when his red sports car crashed into an embankment and caught fire, as reported by the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He was only 36 years old.

While the film brought him fame, Pussers life was more than just a movie plot. He was a real person who lived and breathed the fight against crime. His income, in addition to his sheriff salary of $12,000 per year and a $500 per month expense account, included royalties from his books and the film. His net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million.

In the wake of Pusser's death, the New York Times published a news item on Thursday, August 22, 1974. The news spread quickly; the man who had become a symbol of justice had fallen victim to the very forces he had battled. The tragedy left a deep mark on those who admired his courage and the community he had sought to protect.

Joe Don Baker's performance as Pusser in the 1973 film "Walking Tall" catapulted him to stardom. The role allowed Baker to showcase his ability to play tough, resilient characters. The success of "Walking Tall" paved the way for Bakers successful career, and he subsequently played roles in films like "Charley Varrick" (1973) and "The Living Daylights" (1987), the latter being one of his roles in the James Bond franchise.

Dwana Pusser, an author and creative content writer, has also contributed to the narrative surrounding her father's legacy. Buford Pusser's son, Mike Pusser, has largely avoided the public eye, opting for a private life away from the spotlight. Despite the passage of time, the legacy of Buford Pusser continues to fascinate and provoke thought.

The life of Buford Pusser reminds us that even in the darkest of times, one person's determination can inspire others and make a real difference in the world. He was a man who stood up for what he believed in and fought for what was right, leaving behind a legacy of bravery, conviction, and an enduring impact on the community he served.

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Name : Geovany Roberts DVM
Username : carlos.romaguera
Email : schiller.joanie@stracke.org
Birthdate : 2007-03-26
Address : 399 Rowland Gateway Omariborough, TN 28888-4516
Phone : +1 (615) 302-3625
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