Bll Wansley passed away on Thursday night, June 27, 2013, after a 7 month battle with cancer.  He was 65.  Wansley served as Wood County sheriff from January, 2009 until December, 2012 and had more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement.   He was a member of the Sheriff's Association of Texas, The Marine Corps League 1278 Shane Goldman detachment of Mineola, The Fouke Community Crime Watch, The HAWKS in Winnsboro, The American Legion Post 340 in Winnsboro, Turkey Hill Shooting Club in Mineola, The Lake County Fraternal Order of Police 103, The Lake County Republican Club of Wood County and The American Quarter Horse Association.

Prior to serving as sheriff, Wansley spent 20 years with the Quitman Police Department where he became chief of police in 1995.  While employed by the Quitman Police Department, he earned his Masters Peach Officer certification in 2000.  Also, in 1980, while employed by the Quitman Police Department, he was shot and wounded in the line of duty by 3 escaping inmates.  He recovered from his wound and continued to work for the sheriff's department.   As sheriff of Quitman, he began an animal control program, which is still in operation.

Wansley was born and raised in Wood County.  After graduating from Quitman in 1966, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served with the 1st Marine Division.  He served in the Vietnam conflict in 1970-71.  He served in a reserve status until 1975 and was honorably discharged in 1979.