Whenever an execution for sale of lands and tenements is directed and delivered to a sheriff in office who dies before the confirmation of the sale made under and by virtue of the execution, or who dies after confirmation of the sale but before the execution and acknowledgment of the deed to be made in pursuance thereof, then and in either case the sheriff appointed to fill the vacancy may make, execute and acknowledge a deed for the lands and tenements so sold to the purchaser thereof in pursuance of the confirmation, and the deed so made, executed and acknowledged by that sheriff shall be good and valid in law.