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Incident
An accident occurred east of Whitesboro on Highway 82 at the scene of a previous accident which Chief of Police Will T. Miler and other officers were investigating. The lawmen were attempting to slow down passing cars in the fog when one vehicle skidded and struck Chief Miller. He was taken to a Sherman hospital and his condition was not considered serious. His condition grew worse and he died at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 1940.
Miller had served as Chief of Police since the creation of the department in 1935. He was survived by his wife, Matilda, two sons, Carl Miller and Charles Miller, and two daughters, Mrs. James Flowers and Mrs. Lewis Glaslin; two brothers, E.A. Miller and Larry Miller; and a sister, Mrs. John Clark. He was buried in the Basin Cemetery in Grayson County, Texas.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, Matilda, two sons, Carl Miller and Charles Miller, and two daughters, Mrs.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief Miller gave the Whitesboro Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Whitesboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Miller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Whitesboro Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
William is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1940, 4 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 76th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 1940, 67 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 59th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1940, 107 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 9th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 55. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 55. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 55. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 11.7% of these deaths in TX, more than any other month. Fridays: 15.7%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Whitesboro Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Whitesboro Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Whitesboro Police Department are honored on badge.nw.