Actor Joe Don Baker, who starred as a crusading Tennessee sheriff in the 1973 film “Walking Tall,” died on May 7, his family announced. He was 89.

Joe Don Baker, who played characters on both sides of the law, most notably Sheriff Buford Pusser in the box-office hit Walking Tall, has died at 89.

Baker died May 7 at age 89. No cause of death was given. Until his retirement in 2012, he performed in dozens of movies in tough-guy roles, starring in "Walking Tall," "Mitchell" and more.

Joe Don Baker died May 7 at 89. He played Sheriff Buford Pusser in 1973's 'Walking Tall,' toplined NBC's 'Eischied' and appeared in three James Bond films.

Joe Don Baker, the broad-shouldered Texas tough guy who portrayed characters on both sides of the law, most notably Sheriff Buford Pusser in the unexpected box-office hit Walking Tall, died May 7 ...

Joe Don Baker, the leading man turned character actor who broke out playing Sheriff Buford Pusser in the 1973 movie “Walking Tall,” has died, his family announced online.

Actor Joe Don Baker, who starred as a crusading Tennessee sheriff in the 1973 film “Walking Tall,” died on May 7, his family announced. He was 89.

Actor Joe Don Baker, who starred as a crusading Tennessee sheriff in the 1973 film “Walking Tall,” died on May 7, his family announced. He was 89.

Actor Joe Don Baker, who starred as a crusading Tennessee sheriff in the 1973 film “Walking Tall,” died on May 7, his family announced. He was 89.

GROESBECK, Texas (KWKT) – Actor Joe Don Baker has died at age 89. Baker, originally from Groesbeck, Texas, died on May 7, according to his obituary, which did not specify a cause of death. Born ...

Actor Joe Don Baker, who starred as a crusading Tennessee sheriff in the 1973 film “Walking Tall,” died on May 7, his family announced. He was 89.