Deputy Sheriff Billy Joe Thrower, 41, was mortally wounded while serving commitment papers in Huntsville on November 1, 1994. Deputies from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department knocked and identified themselves when the subject opened fire from inside, killing Deputy Thomas Robert Lewis instantly and critically wounding Thrower. Thrower returned fire and killed the assailant at the scene.

Thrower survived the initial exchange but suffered organ failure related to his gunshot wound and underwent a kidney transplant. Postoperative complications included pneumonia, and on September 17, 1995 a blood clot to the lungs proved fatal. He was a 17-year veteran of the department and was survived by his wife and daughter. No arrests were made because the only suspect died during the shooting.

Does anyone remember Deputy Thrower or have details about the November 1994 incident that could add to the record?