Former Williamson County Sheriff Fleming Williams Dies

FRANKLIN, TN — Former Williamson County Sheriff Fleming Williams has died. He was 89.

Williams, an oil man by trade, led the sheriff's department from 1970 to 1976 and again from 1978 to 1990, overseeing law enforcement during the early stages of Williamson County's transition from a largely rural agricultural county to a growing wealthy suburb.

“We are saddened to announce the passing of former Williamson County Sheriff Fleming Williams. He served our county with distinction and honor from 1970 to 1990,” sheriff’s officials said in a statement.

He is survived by his wife, also a former sheriff, Ophelia Williams. She served in the two years between her husband's two stints.

In 2013, Williams published a book, "A Tennessee Sheriff," in which he recalled the efforts he and his department made to clean up the county, which had a reputation as "wide open," with beer joints selling booze outside of allowable hours, cattle rustling, gambling, prostitution and violent crime. By the time Williams left office in 1990, the county averaged seven burglaries a month — a quarter of what it was in 1970, despite a population that had tripled.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Image via Williamson County Sheriff's Office