End of Watch Sunday, May 4, 1941
From the book, “Some Gave All,” coming soon on Amazon
By Mike Simmons
Mallory Williams and his family lived in Kupfrian’s Park, located at Pace Blvd. and Godfrey Street. He loved his job as a deputy sheriff. He didn’t back down from anything. He used initiative and found leads that would end up with good arrests. Then, in 1936, his hard work paid off when Governor Dave Sholtz appointed him to fulfill the remainder of the term of the late John Burns, Constable of District One. Constables were elected law enforcement officers for their districts across the state. Soon, Constable Williams had a reputation for getting his man. He was known as the guy that knew what was going on.
William McCray was a businessman…he stole cigarettes and resold them. He also committed armed robberies. The local lawmen – Williams being one of them – began investigating. He maintained an army of informants. On May 3, 1941, he received word that William McCray was bringing a bunch of stolen cigarettes to Chris’ Place, a little local bar at 801 N. Old Corry Field Road.
That night, Sheriff Howard Mayes, Constable Williams and two deputies sat hidden outside, waiting for the bad guys. They showed up at 3:30 AM. When Mallory yelled for him to stop, William McCray began the shootout. When it was over, McRay was shot in the foot and arrested. Mallory Williams was dead of a gunshot wound. Deputy Red Salmons thought the man he saw moving in the darkness was McCray, but it was Mallory, his friend and fellow warrior.
McCray was sentenced to twenty-five years in prison.
Constable Williams left behind his wife, Doris Juanita Williams, six daughters, one son, a mother, three sisters, a brother, and a grandson.
Rest In Peace, Constable.
#oldpolicestories
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