The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is once again urging the public for assistance in solving the 1983 homicide of William “Bill” Kemmer, a former mayor of Crab Orchard and local business owner.

Kemmer was killed on November 17, 1983, at approximately 7:15 PM. Investigators state he was ambushed and shot in the back with a high-powered rifle after stepping out of his red Ford truck in his driveway at 7094 HWY 70 East.

• The Missing Evidence: On the night of the murder, Kemmer was carrying between $60,000 and $70,000 in cash, along with receipts and personal documents contained in multiple money bags inside a brown canvas bowling bag. These funds and items were never recovered.

• Community Legacy: Kemmer was widely respected, having served three terms as mayor and played a key role in incorporating Cumberland County’s third city.

Sheriff Casey Cox emphasizes that any detail, no matter how small, could help crack the decades-old case and bring closure to the victim’s family.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Crossville-Cumberland County Crime Stoppers at 931-200-1173.