Thomas Whatley
1947
Thomas B. Whatley.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Patrolman Thomas Whatley succumbed to gunshot wounds received the previous evening while he and the Graham County Sheriff attempted to serve a restraining order at a home near Robbinsville. As the officers stepped onto the front porch the suspect opened fire with a rifle, striking Patrolman Whatley in the abdomen. Patrolman Whatley was taken to District Hospital in Andrews, North Carolina, where he succumbed to his wound. The killer was apprehended a short time later and convicted of Patrolman Whatley's murder. He was released after serving 17 years. Patrolman Whatley was a WWII veteran and had served with the North Carolina Highway Patrol for four months.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents.
Service Record
Also Served
North Carolina Highway Patrol
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
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