Who Was Pauline Pusser? Wiki, Biography, Age, Kids, Death Cause & Facts About Buford Pusser’s Wife
Pauline Pusser was the wife of Buford Pusser, a legendary sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee, who waged a one-man war against crime and corruption in the 1960s. Pauline was killed in an ambush on August 12, 1967, while riding with her husband in their car. The attack was likely meant for Buford, who survived with severe injuries. Her death sparked a nationwide interest in her husband’s story, which inspired several books, movies, and a TV series. But who was Pauline Pusser, and what was her role in her husband’s crusade? Here are some facts about her life, death, and legacy.
Pauline Pusser Wiki/Bio
| Name | Pauline Pusser |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Pauline Mullins |
| Birth date | February 27, 1932 |
| Birth place | Dickenson County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Death date | August 12, 1967 |
| Death place | McNairy County, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Death cause | Gunshot wound to the head |
| Resting place | Adamsville Cemetery, Adamsville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Baptist |
| Occupation | Sheriff’s wife and partner |
| Spouse | Buford Pusser (1959-1967; her death) |
| Children | Mike Pusser, Brent Pusser, Dwana Pusser |
| Known for | Being the wife of Buford Pusser, a legendary sheriff who fought against crime and corruption in the 1960s |
| Legacy | Inspiring several books, movies, and songs about her husband’s story |
| Links | Wikipedia- @Buford_Pusser Homepage- Newsunzip |
Biography
Pauline Pusser was born Pauline Mullins on February 27, 1932 (age: 33 years old when died), in Dickenson County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Mr. Mullins, a coal miner. She had a brother named and a sister. She grew up in a poor and rural area, where she attended a one-room schoolhouse. She was a bright and cheerful girl, who loved to sing and dance. She also had a strong faith in God and was a devout Baptist.
Marriage
Pauline Pusser met Buford Pusser in 1957, when he was a professional wrestler known as “Buford the Bull” in Chicago. Buford was born on December 12, 1937, in Finger, Tennessee. He was the son of Carl Pusser, the police chief of Adamsville, Tennessee. He was a tall and athletic boy, who excelled in football and basketball. He joined the Marine Corps after high school, but was discharged for asthma. He then moved to Chicago, where he pursued a career in wrestling.
Pauline and Buford fell in love and got married on December 5, 1959. They had three children: Mike, Brent, and Dwana. They moved back to Adamsville in 1962, where Buford became the police chief and constable. He was popular and respected by the locals, who admired his courage and honesty. He also had a reputation for being tough and fearless, as he often confronted criminals and troublemakers.
TBI investigates the cold case of Pauline Pusser, the wife of ‘Walking Tall’ sheriff Buford Pusser, by exhuming her body 56 years after her death
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has exhumed the body of Pauline Pusser, the wife of the former McNairy County Sheriff Buford Pusser, who was killed in a shooting in 1967. The TBI said that they received a new tip that led them to review the case and discover that no autopsy was ever performed on Pauline Pusser’s body. The TBI hopes that the exhumation will provide crucial information that may help identify the person or persons responsible for her death.
Pauline Pusser was the wife of Buford Pusser, a legendary sheriff who fought against crime and corruption in the 1960s. He was known for his toughness and honesty, as well as for his use of a large wooden club as his weapon of choice. He became famous after his story was featured in several books, movies, and TV shows, such as Walking Tall, starring Joe Don Baker.
Pauline Pusser was shot in the head on August 12, 1967, while riding with her husband in their car. The attack was believed to be an ambush intended for Buford Pusser, who also suffered severe injuries to his face and eye. He survived, but lost his left eye and part of his jaw. He continued his war on crime until his death in a car accident in 1974.
The TBI said that they have the support of Pauline Pusser’s family and the 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson for the exhumation. They said that they will conduct a thorough examination of the body and the evidence, and that they will pursue any leads that may arise from the investigation. They said that they are committed to finding the truth and bringing justice to Pauline Pusser and her family.
Sheriff’s Wife and Partner
In 1964, Buford ran for the sheriff of McNairy County, after the incumbent sheriff James Dickey was killed in a car accident. He won the election, becoming the youngest sheriff in Tennessee’s history. He vowed to clean up the county from moonshining, prostitution, gambling, and other vices, especially along the Mississippi-Tennessee state line. He faced fierce opposition from the Dixie Mafia and the State Line Mob, two criminal organizations that controlled the illegal activities in the area. He also clashed with corrupt politicians and businessmen, who profited from the crime and tried to stop him.
Pauline was Buford’s loyal and supportive wife, who helped him in his duties. She often accompanied him on his patrols, investigations, and raids. She also took care of the administrative work at the sheriff’s office, such as answering phone calls, filing reports, and handling complaints. She was a brave and resourceful woman, who was not afraid to use a gun or a fist when needed. She was also a loving and caring mother, who tried to provide a normal and happy life for her children.
Pauline and Buford faced several assassination attempts by their enemies. On February 1, 1966, Louise Hathcock, a notorious madam and bootlegger, shot at Buford when he was investigating a robbery complaint at her motel. Buford returned fire and killed her. On January 2, 1967, Buford was shot three times by an unidentified gunman, who ambushed him on his way home. He survived, but spent several weeks in the hospital. She was by his side, nursing him back to health.
Death and Aftermath
On August 12, 1967, Pauline Pusser and Buford were driving on Sticine Road, near the state line, when a car pulled up beside them and opened fire. Buford sped off, but the car followed them and shot again. She was hit in the head and died instantly. Buford was hit in the face and suffered severe damage to his jaw, cheek, and eye. He managed to drive to a nearby house and call for help. He was taken to a hospital in Memphis, where he underwent several surgeries and skin grafts. He lost his left eye and part of his jaw.
The killers of Pauline were never identified or arrested. Buford claimed that Kirksey Nix, the leader of the Dixie Mafia, was the mastermind behind the attack, but he had no evidence to prove it. He also accused several local officials of being involved or covering up the crime, but he could not substantiate his allegations. The case remains unsolved to this day.
Buford returned to his job as sheriff after 18 days in the hospital. He continued his war on crime, with more determination and vengeance. He also became a national celebrity, as his story was featured in magazines, newspapers, and TV shows. He wrote a book about his life, called The Twelfth of August, which was published in 1971. He also sold the rights to his story to a Hollywood studio, which produced a movie called Walking Tall, starring Joe Don Baker as Buford. The movie was a huge hit, and spawned two sequels and a TV series.
Buford did not remarry, but he had a relationship with a woman named Wanda Lindsey, who bore him a daughter named Jennifer. He also had a brief affair with a woman named Sandra Faye Vance, who claimed to be pregnant with his child. Buford denied paternity, but agreed to pay child support. He later found out that Vance was already married to another man, and that the child was not his.
Buford died on August 21, 1974, in a car accident, when he lost control of his Corvette and crashed into a tree. He was 36 years old. Some people suspected foul play, but no evidence of sabotage was found. He was buried next to Pauline at the Adamsville Cemetery.
Legacy and Impact
Pauline Pusser was a remarkable woman, who stood by her husband’s side in his fight against crime and injustice. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a courageous partner. She paid the ultimate price for her loyalty and bravery, leaving behind a grieving family and a heartbroken husband. Her death sparked a public outcry and a media frenzy, which brought attention and support to Buford’s cause. She also inspired many people, who admired her strength and spirit.
Pauline’s story has been told and retold in various forms of media, such as books, movies, and songs. She has been portrayed by several actresses, such as Elizabeth Hartman, Bo Svenson, Brian Dennehy, and Dwayne Johnson. She has also been honored with a historical marker, a museum, and a festival in her hometown of Adamsville. She is remembered as a hero, a martyr, and a legend.
Pauline Pusser was more than just a sheriff’s wife. She was a woman of substance, who made a difference in her world. She was a woman who walked tall.
