Thunder boomed in the distance shortly after 2 p.m. as a cavalcade of police motorcycles and squad cars, lights flashing, slowly snaked its way through the cemetery, and the hearse settled in front of the chapel.
Former Sheriff Tom Spangler was laid to rest Sept. 18 at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors provided by the department's honor guard.
Shortly after a private service, the sun re-emerged and the bursts of a three-volley salute rang out.
The tune of "Amazing Grace" played as six helicopters from KCSO's aviation unit flew overhead in a missing man formation, with one breaking away to symbolize the loss of Spangler.
Spangler's casket was loaded into the hearse and slowly rolled to his gravesite.
Spangler died earlier
this month at the age of 67 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
He served in the U.S. Air Force prior to his decades-long career in law enforcement that culminated in two terms as Knox County sheriff.
Friends and family testified at Clear Springs Baptist Church on Sept. 17 to Spangler's commitment to his faith and his family. They also said "Spanky," as he was affectionately called, was determined to finish his second term, despite the daily struggle of chemotherapy appointments and other treatments.
"Through it all, you had one goal," said Kimberly Glenn, Spangler's friend and longtime assistant. "Finish your term. And sheriff, you did."
Emotions ran high as Spangler's daughters spoke about growing closer to their father as his cancer progressed.
Mallory Womble, one of Spangler's daughters, told mourners a story about listening to "One Headlight" by The Wallflowers with Spangler after one his medical appointments. Womble said the song resonated with her family's experience.
"We've been running on one headlight for the last couple of months," Womble said. "But it was enough to get dad home."
Spangler is survived by his wife, Linda, their two daughters and sons-in-law, and multiple grandchildren.
Anthony Nicotera covers public safety for Knox News. Email: anthony.nicotera@knoxnews.com
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Former Sheriff Tom Spangler laid to rest with military honors
