Holly MatkinNashville, TN – Cullman County Sheriff’s Deputy Timothy “Timmy” Puckett died on Tuesday, following his second battle with cancer.
Deputy Puckett, 47, was undergoing treatment in Nashville for acute myeloid leukemia at the time of his death, WVTM reported.
His community rallied behind him in the wake of his diagnosis and held several fundraising events to help offset the expense of his treatment, The Cullman Tribune reported.
“I stay very tired, but I want everyone to know how much I appreciate their help and support,” Deputy Puckett told the paper in September of 2018.
Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry said that he was a “great asset, leader, and fighter.”
“We are all so proud of him and it’s important that we take care of each other,” Sheriff Gentry noted. “Cullman is the best county in Alabama, and we are blessed to have [had] a man like Timmy Puckett here.”
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) confirmed the veteran deputy’s death in a press release on Tuesday.
“It’s with great sadness the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of Deputy Timothy Puckett,” the department said. “The CCSO family would ask that you pray for Deputy Puckett’s family and his law enforcement family during this difficult time.”
Deputy Puckett served as a patrol deputy, a detention deputy, and as a courthouse deputy during his decade-long career with the CCSO.
“Deputy Puckett was a friend to all those he met on patrol and at the courthouse,” the department said. “He will be missed, but not forgotten!!”
He was a member of the Jack Aces Riding Club, as well as the Cullman Elks Lodge, according to The Cullman Tribune.
“Yesterday we lost a club brother and a great friend,” fellow motorcycle club member Derrick Barton said on Wednesday. “Timmy was well liked by anyone and everyone that ever met him. There is a giant void in our lives now. But we will try to fill it with all of the memories of the great times we shared.”
Deputy Puckett leaves behind his wife, Kim, and their daughters, Kinlee and Kyla.
Drone footage of his funeral procession was posted to social media on Wednesday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Cullman County Sheriff’s Deputy Timothy “Timmy” Puckett, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.