I would like to encourage everyone to reconsider Buford Pusser as a martial artist, although he may be ignored because he doesn't fit the stereotype of a martial artist.
Why would someone not consider him as such? He did fight and he used weapons, both martial skills. Must be the same people who don't consider boxing and wrestling martial arts.
I guess, for a lot of people, if there aren't white pajamas and a colored belt, it ain't martial arts. But the people who frequent this forum know better.