Dwana Pusser Wikipedia: Husband, Family, Death Cause & Facts About Buford Pusser’s Daughter

Dwana Pusser was born on January 9, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, to Buford Pusser and Pauline Mullins Pusser. She was the only child of the famous lawman who became a national hero for his crusade against crime and corruption in McNairy County, Tennessee.
Buford Pusser was the sheriff of McNairy County from 1964 to 1970, and later the police chief of Adamsville, a small town in the county. He survived several assassination attempts, stabbings, and shootings, and lost his wife and part of his jaw in a car ambush in 1967. According to Wikipedia profile, he was the inspiration for the “Walking Tall” movie series, which depicted his life and exploits as a fearless and honest law enforcer.
Dwana Pusser Growing Up Under the Shadow of a Legend
Dwana grew up under the shadow of her father’s fame and tragedy. She was only six years old when her mother, Pauline, was killed in the car ambush that also left her father severely injured. She witnessed her father’s struggle to cope with the loss of his wife and his constant battles with the criminals who wanted him dead. She also saw the admiration and support that her father received from the public, who regarded him as a hero and a role model.
Dwana Pusser was very close to her father, and shared his passion for law enforcement and justice. She often accompanied him to his office, the courthouse, and the museum that was built in their home to honor his legacy. She also helped him with his book, “The Twelfth of August”, which was published in 1971 and chronicled his life story. She was proud of her father and his achievements, and wanted to follow in his footsteps.
Dwana Pusser Wiki | BIO
Name | Dwana Pusser |
---|---|
Birth Date | January 9, 1961 |
Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
Death Date | March 7, 2018 |
Death Place | Adamsville, Tennessee, USA |
Cause of Death | Unknown |
Parents | Buford Pusser Pauline Mullins Pusser |
Spouse | Jamie Garrison |
Children | Paige and Megan |
Occupation | Author, Speaker, Museum Curator |
Known For | Being the daughter of the legendary sheriff Buford Pusser and carrying on his legacy |
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A Heroic Father
Dwana’s father, Buford Pusser, was a former professional wrestler who became the sheriff of McNairy County in 1964, at the age of 26. He was known for his tough stance on crime and corruption, especially against the State Line Mob, a gang of bootleggers and gamblers that operated across the Tennessee-Mississippi border. He often used a wooden club instead of a gun to enforce the law, earning him the nickname “The Big Stick”. He also became a national celebrity, as his exploits were featured in magazines, newspapers, and television shows.
However, Buford’s crusade came at a high cost. He was stabbed, shot, and bombed several times by his enemies, and suffered severe injuries that left him with a disfigured face and a crippled leg. His wife, Pauline, was killed in 1967, when their car was ambushed by gunmen on a rural road. Buford survived the attack, but vowed to avenge his wife’s death. He claimed to have killed several of the assailants, but was never convicted of any crime. He also faced legal troubles, as he was accused of police brutality, civil rights violations, and tax evasion by his opponents. He was re-elected as sheriff in 1970, but lost his bid for a fourth term in 1974.
Losing Her Father and Carrying On His Legacy
Dwana Pusser’s life was shattered again when her father died in a car crash on August 21, 1974, just a day after his 36th birthday. He was returning home from a fair when his car veered off the road and hit a tree. The cause of the crash was never conclusively determined, but some speculated that it was the result of foul play, mechanical failure, or drunk driving. Dwana, who was 16 years old at the time, was a passenger in another car that came upon the scene of the accident minutes later. She was devastated by the loss of her father, who was her only remaining parent and her best friend.

Dwana decided to carry on her father’s legacy and keep his memory alive. She became the caretaker of the Sheriff Buford Pusser Home and Museum, which was located in their former residence in Adamsville. She welcomed thousands of visitors every year, who came to see the memorabilia and artifacts related to her father’s life and career. She also traveled across the country, speaking to law enforcement agencies, schools, and civic groups about her father and his values. She wrote a book about her father, titled “Walking On”, which was published in 2007 and offered a personal and intimate perspective on his life and death.
Finding Love and Happiness
Dwana Pusser found love and happiness in her later years. She married Jamie Garrison, a local businessman, on March 7, 1998, and had two daughters, Paige and Megan. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and was active in her community. She was a member of the Adamsville First Baptist Church, the Adamsville Lions Club, and the Adamsville Chamber of Commerce. She was also involved in several charitable causes, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Dwana was a kind, compassionate, and generous person, who touched the lives of many people. She was admired and respected for her courage, strength, and dedication to her father’s legacy. She was also a loving and devoted wife, mother, and friend, who cherished her family and friends.
Passing Away Unexpectedly
Dwana passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2018, at the age of 57. She was found dead in her home in Adamsville, and the cause of her death was not immediately known. She was sent to the Memphis Medical Center for an autopsy, but no foul play was suspected. She was buried at the Adamsville Cemetery, next to her father and mother.

Dwana’s death was a shock and a sorrow to her family, friends, and fans. She was mourned by many people who knew her and loved her, and who appreciated her contributions to the preservation and promotion of her father’s legacy. She was also honored by many law enforcement officers, who considered her a friend and an inspiration. She was remembered as a remarkable woman who lived a remarkable life, and who walked tall in her own way.
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Content Source:- Wikipedia.org