If a sheriff or other officer designedly absents himself from his court, the presiding judge or justice, when required by plaintiffs in execution or their attorneys, shall grant a rule absolute against the sheriff or other officer without the notice provided for in Code Section 15-13-4 unless it is proved at such term of the court that the sheriff or other officer, from sickness, is not able to attend the court.
OCGA § 15-13-6