Walking On: A Daughter's Journey With Legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser

by Dwana Pusser, Ken Beck, Jim Clark

Devoted to the memory of her legendary father, Dwana Pusser traces his life from his childhood in Adamsville, Tennessee, in 1937 through his death in an automobile crash in 1974. This intimate, thrilling, and heartfelt biography presents Pusser as only his family and closest friends knew him. From the highly publicized and tragic ambush that resulted in the death of Pusser's wife to the private, tender memories only a daughter can relate about her beloved father, all of the events of Pusser's life unfold in this engaging and exciting read. A well-deserved addition to the lore surrounding the celebrated sheriff, this title is certain to surprise and captivate old and new Buford Pusser fans alike. ABOUT THE AUTHOR The daughter of Sheriff Pusser, Dwana Pusser worked in radio broadcast communications for more than fifteen years. She is actively involved in civic affairs in Adamsville, Tennessee, and she keeps alive the spirit and feats of her father by maintaining a Web site in his honor and hosting the annual Buford Pusser Festival in Adamsville.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 20, 2008

About the author

The daughter of Sheriff Pusser, Dwana Pusser worked in radio broadcast communications for more than fifteen years. She is actively involved in civic affairs in Adamsville, Tennessee, and she keeps alive the spirit and feats of her father by maintaining a Web site in his honor and hosting the annual Buford Pusser Festival in Adamsville."

Reviews

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of all things "Walking Tall" since I was a kid in the 70's and first heard about the tall, no-nonsense Sheriff that "walked tall and carried a big stick". Most likely I saw the early movie about him and later found some books. It's a story that sticks with you and this was a bigger than life hero who repeatedly battles bad guys in his effort to clear them out of his county. It made him and his family a target and there were plenty of threats made to harm them if he didn't desist. Most people likely know much of that story and how he lost his wife when they were ambushed on August 12, 1967, and he barely pulled through. The story, as dramatic as it is, was partly fictionalized for the movie, etc. to make it even more dramatic. This book is written by his daughter Dwana, who was just 6 when the first tragedy of losing her mother happened.

I was up most of the night reading this book, as it covers what life was like for the remaining family after Pauline's death. How Buford Pusser went on to heal and then go back to being Sheriff, while also being both father and mother to his 2 step-children and to little Dwana. She grew up around her daddy's workplace, being the courthouse, jail and his office and she shared stories of trouble she got up to hanging around and being a typical kid. Her dad sure had his hands full at times. There were stories about Buford's parents too. His dad had been the Sheriff before Buford and had talked him into taking over the job after his dad was injured and having too much pain to get around and do all he needed to. Then Buford ran for election for the following 2 terms and won after people saw all he was doing to clean up the corruption and especially the bad dudes at the county line establishments.

It was good hearing about things from Dwana's perspective about those years and later, when she lost her daddy too, so young at just 36 on August 21, 1974. There are still questions that remain about his death in a car accident, as far as the real cause and who may have been behind it. Dwana managed to get to the scene and her father died in her arms. There is now a Buford Pusser museum in his former home, and an annual Sheriff Buford Pusser Festival has been held at the Buford Pusser Park in Adamsville, TN for 28 years so far.

[Mark Bunch · Rating 3 out of 5]

A follow up to the original Walking Tall movie (1973)- a movie made in Tennessee about state line vice and corruption on the Tennessee- Mississippi -Alabama border. I enjoyed her take and the back story of the whole deal. She has made her family's home into a Tennessee state museum- and a treasure for our community. The story based in the 1960s gives you a taste of Tennessee law and order back in the day.

[Mary Tuley · Rating 3 out of 5]

What has seemed an exciting and patriotic life story to many other people (especially because of the Walking Tall movies) appears violent and almost surrealistic to me. It's wonderful not to have grown up in such a stressful family environment, and I salute Buford Pusser's daughter Dwana for surviving her childhood in tact. However, I would probably prefer not to have read the book.

[Melba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was interesting to read, after seeing the movies since childhood. It was nice to read about the real man behind the story, but it was also sad as well. This family had their share of heartaches & tragedies.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thorough enjoyed reading this. The book provides a lot of additional information beyond other books I had read about Buford Pusser's life, Dwana's experiences and the way her dad's life impacted her. If you are at all interested in this subject, I highly recommend reading this.

[BARRY AUTRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of Buford Pusser! Dwana did a great job telling the story!

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even with his death close to 50 years ago, reading about Buford Pusser never gets old.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a book to fill in the blanks to the 1973 movie, "Walking Tall" this is the book! Dwana is the daughter of Buford and her recollection of his story is not only insightful, but to the point. She doesn't hold back or embellish her father's life. She just recalls what she remembers and is not afraid to mention when she is unsure of an event that happened to her father. She does bring about some reports about her father's death that just surfaced recently and she gives you the ability to see whether you think she is right that her father was murdered and not just involved in an accident. Watch the movie, then read this book. It's a good "one two punch" to get the feel for Buford's life.

[Shera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Saw it at the library and it looks interesting

[Nan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, It's like the mob but in the south!