Patrolman William R. Gilham

Patrolman William R. Gilham | DeQueen Police Department, Arkansas
DeQueen Police Department, Arkansas
Patrolman William R. Gilham

DeQueen Police Department, Arkansas

End of Watch Thursday, July 5, 1984

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William R. Gilham

Patrolman William Gilham, Captain William Mills, Patrolman Herman Jones, and Sergeant Roy Brewer were all killed in a head-on automobile crash while en route to attend the funeral of Trooper Louis Bryant of the Arkansas State Police. Trooper Bryant had been shot and killed in the line of duty six days earlier.

Patrolman Gilham had served with the DeQueen Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and four stepsons.

Bio

  • Age 25
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge 26

Incident Details

  • Cause Automobile crash

vehicle crash

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Officer Bill Gilham was remarkable. When someone dies, it is hard to describe the kind of person that they were. I want to try to do that. He was the most incredible father to four little boys. He came home every time and played with them. The last thing he did for them on July 3, 1984 was buy them a three wheeler. I have the most beautiful memories of him, teaching them how to ride it. I have memories of peeking out the window. I worked at night and I got up especially to watch them. I’m so thankful for that memory. He loved me and showed me every day how much. He was not your average person and that’s why I say that Bill Gilham was remarkable. I miss him dearly, and I will love him, the love of my life, forever.

Brenda Gassaway

February 11, 2026

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