William Steven Whitley

William Steven “Steve” Whitley was born December 13, 1943 in Abilene, Texas and died January 19, 2006 in Abilene, Texas.

Whitley grew up ranching, graduated from the Abilene Police Academy, served in the U.S. Army as a Criminal Investigator in Korea, and earned a Master’s Degree from Central Texas University. In 1975 he joined the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education and from
1990 to 1996 he served as a criminal justice lecturer and director of the Sul Ross State University Law Enforcement Academy.

In 1997 he was elected to Brewster County Sheriff and over his years he helped create the West Texas Narcotics Enforcement Task Force and served as the president of its board in 2000.

William Steven “Steve” Whitley photo courtesy of Carl C. Williams collection