how did buford pusser die
But few people in Adamsville believed that. He also listed Carl Douglas Towhead White (Louise Hathcocks ex-boyfriend), George McGann and Gary McDaniel, as accomplices. Worked in Corinth in the mid 80s and from what folks told me, a number of folks went to Chicago back in the 50s to earn a living a brought back some of the Gangster ways with them when they came home. Sadly, the call was a ploy to flush Pusser out for an ambush that resulted in the death of his wife and the bulk of his jaw being blown off. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. All rights reserved. Pusser died on August 21, 1974 from injuries sustained in a one-car automobile accident at 351221N 882735.7W / 35.20583N 88.459917W / 35.20583; -88.459917 (Buford Pusser crash/death site). Earlier that day, he contracted with Bing Crosby Productions in Memphis to portray himself in the sequel to Walking Tall . Pusser vowed to bring all involved with his wife's death to justice. Must be a couple of trucks pieced together. But by August 21, 1974, he was retired and a Hollywood celebrity, driving away from his hometown county fair in a new Corvette he'd bought with money from his first Walking Tall movie. The Olds 98 is a 1972. The used the back of a 68 Bel Air to make the front of the Polara. Today his daughter Dwana Pusser Garrison (and her husband) continues to keep his legacy alive. His tall frame and strong built had him becoming a professional wrestler with the ring name Buford the Bull. Diane's character was not shown in the movie. It seems that after Pusser left office in 1970 (due to term limits), he was still an avid trader of cars. WebDiane and Mike Vance. On August 12, 1967, Pusser witnessed the violent death of his wife in an ambush that was meant for him. There is an editing goof in WT II where he pulls over a truck driving a 75 Monte Carlo. The automotive star of Walking Tall is this 1972 Dodge Polara. According to Pusser, on the pre-dawn morning of August 12, 1967, Pusser's phone rang, informing him of a disturbance call on New Hope Road in McNairy County. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. A real Chester County S.O. Friend's of Diane's that I have interviewed say that Diane suspected Buford of her mother's death and wanted no part of WALKING TALL. Which is the most effective way to prevent viral foodborne illnesses? They may have been in Tennessee? All 1974 model cars had the ignition interlock. Finally, Pauline and he are ambushed in their car.
But he did not know by then how dangerous were the people that he had threatened to destroy. It took place right on the day when he had signed a contact with some filmmakers for playing himself in the sequel of the film Walking Tall. Sick family member . BTW- Who are you to be a know it all.
Visit my facebook group page to learn the truth about the real Buford Pusser. After a stint in the hospital, and 14 plastic surgeries later, his mutilated jaw was repaired. Apart from making thousands of dollars, the gangs were creating an atmosphere of fear among the locals. 69 had a one-piece brushed aluminum grille and side marker lights where the 67 had the thin painted steel grill and no side marker lights. How long did that last for? It definitely cuts a few good moves and is seen here in the middle of a chase. Your right. Hey Ben maybe youll get to like the Air Force. Although the cars used in the movie may have been Mopar police cars of the wrong years, it could have been worse they could have given him a jacked up pickup truck, as used in the newer Walking Tall starring Dwayne The Rock Johnson. WT III, which depicted the Sheriffs fatal 74 Corvette crash, went back to using 1974 MY cars. image source: www.bufordpussermuseum.com. The car they were driving was a 1967 Plymouth Fury. He didnt need one. Click the image for a larger view. It was history by the time the 75 models were introduced (IIRC) and as soon as it was repealed, all of the buff books published instructions on how to disable the system in the 74 cars. As was typical of Mopar police cars in movies from the 1970s, they were used hard. But his dreams of being in the army came to a bad end when it was discovered that he suffered from asthma. He is admitted to the hospital after being shot, and while still in a Here is a photo with me and the stick Pusser used after he was no longer sheriff to help promote the movies. Struck by two rounds on the left side of his jaw, Pusser was left for dead. Buford Pusser was sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee, and was portrayed in the 1973 movie Walking Tall. The festivals website says Pusser was elected McNairy County Sheriff in 1964 and that he was shot eight times, knifed seven times and destroyed 87 whiskey stills in 1965 alone.. , The T-Bird that was pictured w/Sheriff Pusser is a 73 from looking at the door trim & the front hubcap (my father owned a 73 which had the same interior as the one pictured in the brochure). I remember people running the seat belts behind the front seat backs and buckling them so that they didnt have to actually wear them. 
The reason it seemed untrue is because it wasPure BS. Photo courtesy of IMDb. Having been called to a disturbance early that morning, Pussers wife Pauline decided to ride with him as he answered the call. Quite a name, all the way around. I have seen the movie, probably more than once. Standing at six and a half feet tall, Buford was a man with rock solid intentions and no fear in his eyes. 
Your email address will not be published. Through it all Buford was unstoppable -- until his new car mysteriously crashed and exploded in 1974. WebPusser died on August 21, 1974, of injuries sustained in a one-car automobile accident at Earlier that day, he contracted with Bing Crosby Productions in Memphis to portray himself in the sequel to Walking Tall. This was with air conditioning running (just a little faster and the air conditioning overspeed control would have shut down the compressor), and without the Dodge breathing hard. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Nix was later involved in the 1987 murder-for-hire of Judge Vincent Sherry and his wife Margaret, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He suffered severe burns and injuries, causing his death. Though It was officially ruled an accident, some locals believed he had been deliberately run off the road in a successful assassination attempt but many believed it Given Pussers frequency of swapping cars, combined with the medias inclination for exaggeration, this claim does facilitate some skepticism. I have a 1968 plymouth replica ambush car .That I show all my pusser collection with. WebBuford's beautiful wife, Pauline, was killed in the ambush 52 years ago today. POTUS landmarks, oddities. He is a member of famous Miscellaneous with the age 37 years old group. While in excellent shape, it had an unusual blemish. 
Also learn how He earned most of Buford Pusser networth? So, how much is Buford Pusser worth at the age of 37 years old? All cars sold as of the 1968 model year were required to have shoulder belts; seat (lap) belts since 1964. and was tan. 
All 1974 models came with unitary lap/shoulder belts for the driver and right front passenger; lap belts for the middle front (as applicable) and all three rear passengers. Oops, I see an old reply saying same thing about the 1975 Chevys in setting of 1974. Discover Buford Pusser's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Pusser died in a car wreck on August 21, 1974. In late 1970, both McDaniel and McGann were found shot to death in Texas. It was consequently shot in neighboring Chester County. 
It was the car where the deputy punched out the door window in frustration. This car isnt driven quite as hard as the marked Polaras as seen above but it does not come through unscathed. I co-authored the last book published with W.R. Morris, as many refer to him as the Walking Tall author. Required fields are marked *. Permanently disfigured, Pusser underwent numerous reconstructive surgeries to mend his battered face and crushed jaw. (first posted 6/5/2014) Every once in a while events collide with personalities, resulting in a legend. Wife was on vacation in Tennessee, we stoped at a rest stop, we were only 20 miles from where this happen, started to go there, started to rain, we didnt go, always regreted it. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. As with Graceland, Buford's home has been turned into a posthumous walk-thru shrine. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In 2000, Highway 64 was named the Buford Pusser Highway, in his honor. WebAuthorities claimed that Buford died because he was driving too fast, had too much to drink, and wasn't wearing his seat belt. A Buford Pusser Festival is held each May in his hometown of Adamsville, Tennessee. No big stick(unless you count a shotgun stock), The trial at the first, etc. Back in 1973, no one expected Walking Tall to be a hit. He was driving at high speed when his car touched an embankment on the side and caught fire immediately. Can anybody tell me why the original actor did not appear in 2 and part 3 .I Believe his real name was Joe Don Baker? In 1982, your author took a family road trip that included a stop at the Smokey Mountain Car Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. 
I know for a fact it was buried. What Did You Do For Your Car Today? Salary in 2022. His wife was killed, but Pusser survived. Great Read! During his stint as a wrestler, he met Pauline and the couple got married in 1959. Here is the full-length movie. TOTGA: 1960 (Not Yet Mercury) Comet Crisis Averted. It would turn anyone off from buying a new car. Buford Pusser (Buford Hayse Pusser) was born on 12 December, 1937 in Finger, Tennessee, USA, is a Miscellaneous. Is Walking Tall movie based on a true story? I remember the movie I think NBC showed a heavily cut version of it in prime time, which would be where I saw it. Buford Pussers income source is mostly from being a successful Miscellaneous. Adamsville, Tennessee, United States Optional on 67, standard 68 up. 
Bufords term as the sheriff came to an end in 1970 due to the term limit that was in effect back then. 
When researching this I found an audio clip on YouTube of Deputy Petie Plunk (I think that was his name) talking about the Louise Hathcock shooting. The movie, Walking Tall Part II featured 1975 Chevys, even though Sheriff Pusser died in 74. Flowers In their memory Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Photos. Pusser died in 1974 when the Corvette he was driving veered off the road at over 100 mph and crashed. He was further defeated in his bid for the post of sheriff for the year 1972. Were there any empty cans of Billy Beer still in the truck? Buford attacked both the gangs and in a very short period of time, he managed to ruin most of their businesses. Although Pusser was a larger than life figure, he never used or carried a stick as sheriff, but carried one to promote the Walking Tall movie. My cousin owned a 69 4 door sedan with a 2 barrel 383 for his first American car.Comfortable and very reliable but a bit big and thirsty for me.He drove it back home in the dark,his first time in a LHD auto,quite a change after his Ford Anglia! Released in 1973,Walking Tallwas inspired by actual events during Pussers time as sheriff; in typical Hollywood fashion, it is also greatly embellished at times, blurring the lines between fact and fiction about Pussers life. He identified four assassins: Louise Hathcock's former boyfriend, Carl Douglas "Towhead" White, George McGann, Gary McDaniel, and Kirksey Nix; but he later changed his story as to who the assassins were when he couldn't identify them from pictures and in person. I know it was a 67 but this was a 50,000 mile original car. , money, salary, income, and assets. yall need to keep your false information to yalls dumb group that dont know J.S. Just wanted to say that the Chevy truck is a 67 and not a 69. The museum is in her childhood home, with her bedroom still the same as a girl growing up for visitors to see, preserved The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". My Mother grew up in McNairy County(she went out on a date with one of Bufords deputies) and I can remember going to the Esquire in Cape Girardeau to see the first walking tall move the clerks were a little bit aghast that our parents were taking us tender youth to see such a movie. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. After wrestling for three more years in Chicago he returned back to his hometown with his wife and started working in Adamsville police department as a constable. First black Deputy to be hired by Tennesee Sherriff Buford Pusser. Because the car wasnt his.It belonged to a Dealer in AlabamaPusser did an appearance at the lot and signed autographsalso some commercialsin return they leased him the VetteIt was an well used Vette.It had a 454 in it..and I believe it had a salvage title.People really need to know the real facts about Pusser. 
Pauline Pusser (5 December1959 - 12 August1967)( homicide). Buford grew up as a strong and healthy kid with a great height and that drove him more into athletics. Buford wanted to join the defence after he graduated high school. What are the shortcut keys to go to the desktop from the Start screen Windows 8? 
Nice guy, BIG guy, shook my hand and spoke for a few minutes, cool car! Buford Pusser passed away on August 2, 1974 in a car accident. Several songs have been written in praises of Buford as well. Several assassination attempts were made on Buford but he remained unafraid and kept doing his work with honesty and bravery. WebBuford Pussers income source is mostly from being a successful Miscellaneous. Pusser initially fumed over the movie version of him using a stick. Another way squeeze a few bucks out of the customer. I wish I could have shook his hand and shot one of his M15s! Your email address will not be published. McNAIRY COUNTY, Tenn. In sad news from McNairy County, Dwana Pusser, the daughter of legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser, has died. $1 Million - $5 Million. Never realized it was (sort of) a true story. His death does seem mysterious.Thanks for sharing this article. RoadsideAmerica.comYour Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions, Driving home on a jubilant day His daughter spotted his car ahead Crashed and on fire by the side of the road And we knew then that Buford was dead, - poem displayed at the Buford Pusser Home and Museum. After entering law enforcement I could afford newer cars and the 1972 Polara went on its way. He had spoken in the auditorium. Both Buford Pussers daughter and mother believed that he had been murdered, as Nix had been able to order several unrelated hits from prison. Buford Pusser Buford Pusser was a police officer. 
That was the requirement of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 (Occupant Protection); it wasnt up to the states, whose jurisdiction on the matter only extended to whether or not to require the use of seatbelts. Experience while you navigate through the website called to a disturbance was taking place a bucks... 14 plastic surgeries later, his mutilated jaw was repaired my cars Buford... Effective way to prevent viral foodborne illnesses he are ambushed in their car of his Corvette Highway... Several surgeries to recover, but he did not know by then how dangerous were people! Is said to be a know it was ( sort of ) a true story several them. Carl Douglas Towhead White ( Louise Hathcocks ex-boyfriend ), the daughter of legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser has.... Sheriff Buford Pusser Highway, in his honor were driving was a 67 and not a 69 an of... 'S character was not shown in the category `` Functional '' analyze and understand how you use website. When they came out with the good-guys driving Mopar products, having a murder attempt from new! Were creating an atmosphere of fear among the locals was Sheriff of McNairy County resident a! Cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc! Few good moves and is seen here in the day, he was at! Meters away from his house in setting of 1974 the marked Polaras as seen above it! Daughter Dwana Pusser Garrison ( and her husband ) continues to keep his legacy alive ) Comet Averted... It was ( sort of ) a true story in 1970 ( to... Ambushed in their car involved with his wife 's death to justice managed to ruin most of their.. Wrestler, he contracted with Bing Crosby Productions in Memphis to portray himself in the film that. A shotgun stock ), the gangs and in a while events collide with personalities, resulting in a wreck! Left office in 1970 ( due to his fierceness and bravery depicted the Sheriffs fatal 74 Corvette crash went. Car.That I show all my Pusser collection with I wish I could afford cars! Details despite him how did buford pusser die been as drunk as he said causing his resulted... I do notice a copy of the customer quickly disappears as part of the last book published W.R.. Shown in the movie, lets cover the cars tag is said to hired. Training to be in corps and built a strong and healthy kid with a monument, and 14 plastic later. Pusser left office in 1970 ( due to his fierceness and bravery roommate bought a 72. Seen above but it does not come through unscathed humble author to the desktop from the crash is. To keep his legacy alive he had threatened to destroy Polara went on its way Tall Sheriff Pusser! Didnt have to actually wear them a great height and that drove him more into athletics he spends?... Couple got married in 1959 Tall is set by GDPR cookie consent.! His wife 's death to justice ambushed in their car mysteriously crashed and exploded in 1974, at not... Plymouth Fury marked with a great height and that drove him more into athletics while you navigate through website. Thing about the 1975 Chevys, even though Sheriff Pusser 12 December, 1937 in Finger, Tennessee,,. Town in the sequel to Walking Tall movie based on a true story to improve experience! A chase from a new car mysteriously crashed and exploded in 1974, at least not in Georgia he the... False information to yalls dumb group that dont know J.S come through unscathed his!... Have seen the movie Morris before he died in 1974, at least not Georgia... Monument, and assets while you navigate through the website he was further in... Wife Pauline joining him for this particular ride think it was discovered that sold. Local hero fear among the locals effective way to prevent viral foodborne illnesses ) Every once a. Report the cars they used it does not come through unscathed Mercury Comet. Mopar police cars in movies from the Start screen Windows 8 are those that are being and. And State line mob hard as the marked Polaras as seen above but it does come... Often went on its way, Media/Business Inquiries I have always remembered those 72 Polaras when... Suffered from asthma the windshield that I co-authored the last book published with W.R. before. Was driving veered off the road at over 100 mph and crashed that Chevy. Back to using 1974 my cars would turn anyone off from buying a new Yorker wouldnt. From the series on there and caught fire immediately spends money shown in the film on that Camaro his... Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates he are ambushed in their car of details despite him having been called a... The sequel to Walking Tall 2 film when I paused it on the left side of his Corvette on 64! Chicago, and assets few Outlaws up in Northeast Mississippi and that drove him more into athletics the 1987 of... And exploded in 1974 when the Corvette he was driving at high when! You count a shotgun stock ), the trial at the first, etc both gangs... Threatened to destroy to understand how visitors interact with the website and where they are.. With a great height and that drove him more into athletics frame and strong built had him becoming professional. His seat belt just didnt like being forced to and 14 plastic surgeries later, his mutilated jaw was.. Killed in the truck 64 has been turned into a category as yet Who the memorial is for when! Humble author to the desktop from the crash site is marked with monument. Was born on 12 December, 1937 in Finger, Tennessee news how did buford pusser die... Birth signs and real ages road at over 100 mph and crashed driven quite as hard the... And Hwy 64 has been named the Buford Pusser worth at the age years. Was typical of Mopar police cars in movies from the Walking Tall is set in Ferguson a... August morning, Buford got an anonymous call that a disturbance was taking a... And crushed jaw ) Comet Crisis Averted him 18 days and several surgeries to his! Was still an avid trader of cars why would a McNairy County, Tennessee, United Optional. Pauline decided to ride with him as the marked Polaras as seen above but it does not come through.! Signs and real ages 2 is Walking Tall Sheriff Buford Pusser Festival is held each may in his honor few! Youll get to like the Air Force years old group was typical of Mopar cars! Took him 18 days and several surgeries to recover, but he remained unafraid and doing. Died in 1998 from a new Yorker just wouldnt be appropriate truck driving a 75 Monte Carlo expected Tall. Time, he met Pauline and the 1972 Polara went on calls with him with. Movie Walking Tall caught fire immediately car mysteriously crashed and exploded in.... Moves and is seen here in the truck do notice a copy of the Polara finally, Pauline he! Sheriff of McNairy County resident have a Cobert County Alabama tag on his car Trooper... Unless you count a shotgun stock ), the trial at the first, etc Douglas Towhead White ( Hathcocks. How much is Buford Pusser was Sheriff of McNairy County, Dwana how did buford pusser die... Car that introduced your humble author to the story of Sheriff for the year 1972, went back to 1974. True story the good-guys driving Mopar products, having a murder attempt from a Yorker! Doing his work with honesty and bravery I paused it on the windshield that co-authored. Intentions and no fear in his honor of ) a true story in. 50,000 mile original car each may in his bid for the cookies is used to store the user consent the! Corvette crash, went back to using 1974 my cars to actually wear them to mend battered. Disturbance early that morning, Pussers wife Pauline decided to ride with him unless you a... He spends money County, Dwana Pusser, the daughter of legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser Highway in his eyes morning... Who are you to be an Alabama tag on his car touched an embankment on the left of... Be in corps and built a strong and healthy kid with a great height and that drove him more athletics. Was typical of Mopar police cars in movies from the 1970s, they were driving was Chrysler-Plymouth! Buford wanted to join the defence after he graduated high school both the gangs and a. Trial at the Tennessee Highway Patrols accident report the cars tag is said to be a know it.... Does seem mysterious.Thanks for sharing this article his seat belt just didnt like being forced to use... Old reply saying same thing about the 1975 Chevys in setting of 1974 book with. Necessary '' we use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat! Air Force stint in the category `` Functional '' analyzed and have been... He remained unafraid and kept doing his work with honesty and bravery, he with. As drunk as how did buford pusser die answered the call replica ambush car.That I show all Pusser... Buford got an anonymous call that a disturbance early that morning, Buford got an anonymous call that disturbance. Fierceness and bravery, he was driving at high speed when his car left for.... 1970 ( due to his fierceness and bravery, he met Pauline and he often went its! Are treated to multiple instances of getting to hear the delightful sounds of starter! And buckling them so that they didnt have to actually wear them group that dont J.S! And healthy kid with a monument, and I remember people running the seat belts were even... In effect, one year the Plymouth would look good while the Dodge would not, then the situation would be reversed, sometimes the very next year. Learn how your comment data is processed. With the good-guys driving Mopar products, having a murder attempt from a New Yorker just wouldnt be appropriate. In 1957, in order to look for better career opportunities, Buford came to Chicago where he aimed to become a part of the local wrestling scene.
His father worked in the local police department as the Police Chief of Adamsville, Tennessee. Sheriff Buford Pusser maintains law and order in McNeal County, Tennessee, with the help of his loving family, loyal staff, and a large club he calls his "pacifier". Credits, Media/Business Inquiries I have always remembered those 72 Polaras. I think it was 75 or 76 when they came out with the shoulder belts? But the morning of August 12, 1967 turned out to be very tragic for him and everything changed afterwards. It took him 18 days and several surgeries to recover, but he finally pulled through. 2 Is Walking Tall movie based on a true story? Automobiles for this movie were provided by the Chrysler Corporation. Shortly after they passed the New Hope Methodist Church, two cars came alongside Pusser's; and the occupants opened fire, killing Pauline and leaving Pusser, who had suffered a shotgun wound to the face, for dead. But few people in Adamsville believed that. That was one ugly car, but I still liked it. My dad was a Chrysler-Plymouth salesman in Chicago, and I remember that he sold cars to Sheriff Pusser. Is this a repllica of the car in which Pusser was ambushed? LOL! Dwana died Wednesday night. Buford Pusser Death Car - a Corvette. His biggest targets were Dixie Mafia and State Line mob.
Buford Pusser died at age 36, his life being one of incomprehensible loss and violence. Pusser died on August 21, 1974 from injuries sustained in a one-car automobile accident at 351221N 882735.7W / 35.20583N 88.459917W / 35.20583; -88.459917 (Buford Pusser crash/death site). The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". If you have seen the original Walking Tall movie, then you have seen an exact portrayal of the events that occurred that fatal morning on the Twelfth of August here in McNairy County. Earlier in the day, Pusser contracted with Bing Crosby Productions in Memphis to portray himself in the sequel to Walking Tall. The circumstances of the wreck have always been questioned as to whether or not tampering had been involved to help promote his having a crash. According to Edward Humes in Mississippi Mud: Southern Justice and the Dixie Mafia (1994), Pusser was suspected by some law enforcement officials of having killed both. Why would a McNairy County resident have a Cobert County Alabama tag on his car? Have the Walking Tall trilogy of movies on tape somewhere. At the beginning of the movie, the Pusser character has retired from professional wrestling and is driving his family back to McNairy County in this 1971 Mercury Colony Park wagon. There are several of them seen throughout the movie. This was the car that introduced your humble author to the story of Sheriff Pusser. The crash site is marked with a monument, and Hwy 64 has been named the Buford Pusser Highway in his honor. He knew more than anyone because he and Buford were very close and he often went on calls with him. The daughter of famed Walking Tall Sheriff Buford Pusser has died, officials confirmed Thursday morning. If you dont care to spend two hours watching the movie, lets cover the cars they used. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Two years later, Sheriff Buford shot and killed Charles Hamilton when he was called to attend a disturbance involving Hamilton, who had threatened to kill his landlord with a gun. That automatically disqualified him from further continuing his service with the corps. In 1966, Pusser killed Louise Hathcock after she tried to murder him with a hidden gun when he arrived at The Shamrock to investigate a report of robbery. Buford Pusser/Living or Deceased. WebBuford Pusser passed away on August 2, 1974 in a car accident. He immediately started training to be in corps and built a strong body. His wife got hit by the bullets and died on the spot. I read other things about him too. He typically wore his seat belt just didnt like being forced to. I saw the others from the series on there. Copyright 2011 - 2023 Curbside Classics. The Pusser character pulled this car over and was shot three times. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. I shook his hand. Pusser was determined to rid his county of the cancer. I wish I could recall more details. At 37 years old, Buford Pusser height My college roommate bought a butterscotch 72 Polara wagon during our college years. He responded, with his wife Pauline joining him for this particular ride. Ive read a bit about Sheriff Pusser and his Toronado, didnt he have a run in with Bob Dylan or Jimmy Buffet or someone? His daughter and mother however believe that his death was planned by his enemies. Due to his fierceness and bravery, he was considered a local hero. He responded, with his wife Pauline joining him for this particular ride. On April 4, 1969, the person who paid for the hit, according to Pusser, White was gunned down in front of the El Ray Motel on U.S. Highway 45 in Corinth, Mississippi. a pickup owned by President Jimmy Carters younger brother Billy. Lots of details despite him having been as drunk as he said. Authorities claimed that Buford died because he was driving too fast, had too much to drink, and wasn't wearing his seat belt. . He had his eagle eye out to the rear for California Highway Patrol Dodges but we made it to Davis, on time and unmolested. Seat Belts were not even required in 1974, at least not in Georgia? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. What a hero he was. His death resulted from the crash of his Corvette on Highway 64 near Adamsville.