FWIW, I have worked in the nuclear industry for over 30 years, and one of the individuals I worked with was once a deputy in McNairy County TN. I asked him years ago about Buford Pusser, and in a word he told me the man was a piece of ****, and was as crooked as the day is long.

I know it is hearsay, it is not nice to speak ill of the dead, and it is just one data point, but I sincerely believe the man had no reason to lie.