Buford Pusser's Granddaughter Honors His Legacy of Respect and Integrity
McNairy County, Tenn. (WKRN) – Renowned Tennessee Sheriff Buford Pusser Passed away over half a century ago, yet his daughter continued the tradition until her death in 2018. Now, the responsibility has been handed down to the subsequent generation.
Buford's granddaughter revealed details about her renowned family as shared with News 2. When asked by Madison Garrison Bush about the beginning of her exposure to tales regarding her grandfather, she recounted those initial moments.
Honestly, even before I was born," said Garrison Bush, "many people have mentioned that I was like a gentle giant who would only act differently once someone overstepped my boundaries.
Garrison Bush has never encountered her grandfather personally, yet she feels intimately familiar with him due to the tales shared with her over time. She recalls his belief in offering numerous opportunities for redemption; he often emphasized that distinguishing between right and wrong was essential.
When she was on a first-grade class trip to the Buford Pusser Museum in Adamsville, her grandfather’s legacy truly struck her for the first time. "During that school trip to the museum, the kids asked me to sign their keepsakes, and we were all still at an age where we considered each other as just friends. So I thought, 'Sure, why not?'"
For Garrison Bush, her grandfather was pioneering for his era. She proudly mentions that he was the first person in Tennessee to employ a Black deputy. However, she acknowledges that his methods of administering justice wouldn’t align with contemporary standards. Nonetheless, when appropriate, he demonstrated kindness too. According to her, he permitted prisoners to work and earn wages.
He would let them out during the day so they could go to work. This way, they could support their families and then come back to jail once their workday ended... To me, he embodies respect and integrity.
Once Garrison Bush became older, her parents permitted her to watch the 1973 film Walking Tall The movie focuses on her grandfather. It documents not only Buford’s efforts in combating crimes but also the heartbreaking assassination of his spouse, Pauline.
She recalls viewing the movie alongside her mother. "The film pained my mom, much as it did my grandad, forcing them both to leave during the extremely difficult parts where we had to step out after losing a portion of our family through these events."
Garrison Bush departed from McNairy County, yet the Pusser family's legacy has always stayed with her. Throughout the years, she has returned home for the festival, similar to what her mother, Dwana, used to do, to present the Buford Pusser Festival Law Enforcement Award to a distinguished member of law enforcement.
To me, it is a means and a great privilege to continue his legacy by following in my mother's footsteps throughout her entire life.
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