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Madison County board dedicates Thomas Road to the late Deputy Elmer Willis
Summary
The Madison County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Dec. 1 to dedicate Thomas Road in memory of Deputy Elmer Willis, the county’s first African American deputy whose 1974 on-duty death the resolution says made him a ‘symbol of progress and inclusivity.’
The Madison County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 1 to approve a resolution dedicating Thomas Road in memory of Deputy Elmer Willis.
The resolution, presented by Commissioner May and read into the record, says Willis was born May 5, 1950, served in the U.S. Navy and was hired by Sheriff Jack Darrell Horton in May 1974 as the county’s first African American deputy. The text recounts that Willis was fatally shot Aug. 4, 1974, after responding to a citizen’s call and that the suspect was prosecuted and retried following an appellate decision.
Commissioner May moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Chatham seconded the motion, and the board carried the action. After the vote, commissioners invited the deputy’s family forward for photographs and discussed sign installation logistics. “Just so you know, our road department guy will try to have those signs installed tomorrow,” an official said after passage.
The resolution directs a sign be erected on Thomas Road “dedicated to the memory of Deputy Elmer Willis, Madison County Sheriff’s Office.” The board provided brief remarks of appreciation and offered to take photos with family members at the meeting following the formal vote.
The resolution does not set a maintenance or funding schedule for the sign; staff said the county road department would handle installation and did not indicate any additional budget allocation. The action is recorded in the minutes as approved by the board on the date shown in the resolution (December 2025).
The county did not take any further action in this meeting related to law-enforcement policy or funding tied to the dedication. The family and staff coordinated a photo opportunity immediately after the vote, and staff said they would follow up on sign installation timing.
