The Madison County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 1 unanimously approved a resolution to dedicate a county road in memory of Deputy Elmer Willis.

Commissioner May introduced the resolution that recounts Willis’s service — hired in May 1974 and described in the resolution as the first African American deputy in Madison County — and the circumstances of his death after a shooting incident on Aug. 4, 1974. The resolution directs the county to erect a sign on Thomas Road in Willis’s memory and memorializes his service to the community.

Commissioner May moved to approve the resolution; the motion was seconded by Commissioner John gentleman and, after no further discussion, the board approved the measure. The meeting record notes the board intended to let family members take photos with commissioners after the vote, and staff said the county road department would attempt to install the sign the following day.

The resolution text included biographical details and a historical summary of the incident and subsequent prosecutions as recited at the meeting; the board’s action was limited to approving the memorial dedication and authorizing the sign placement. No public opposition or competing proposals were recorded during the discussion.

The board did not set a separate date for a formal dedication ceremony; staff said sign installation would be coordinated with the family and the county road department.