Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 10, 2020

Warden Whatley,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 10, 2018

Rest in peace.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

October 10, 2018

Heroes live forever, Game Warden Whatley, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of the Great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

October 10, 2013

Rest in peace, Game Warden Whatley. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

October 10, 2012

George Harold was a friend of mine and a colleague for a number of years as an AgriScience instructor. During the years that he taught in Cass County (Mcleod) we shared a lot of good visits and I have a very high opinion of the whole Whatley clan. I continue to honor his memory with stories and examples to my Wildlife and Recreation classes.

Daren Duncan,AgrInstructor ,Longview ISd
Longview ISD

February 21, 2012

George-

It’s amazing how fast time has flown since you departed. Three years to be exact. Dustin and I are always reminiscing about you and wishing we had you around to ask questions when it comes to parenting. The truth is that you are the very best father we have ever known. You were the first person that knew we were expecting our first baby! You laughed and told Dustin you weren’t sure you could handle another Barrett! In such a short time you showed us how to really live life. You (and Kelly) set the precedence for us to raise our children by and reiterated through your actions that life outside of the “cookie cutter” is marvelous. Your service was the truest form of a celebration of life that we have ever seen. Thank you so much for being a friend and for looking within. Your legacy is one that will live forever in our hearts and we hope to pass along through the generations. West Texas was blessed to have had you even for the short time you were here!

Hartley Barrett, CBP Agriculture Inspector
Wife of a Texas State Game Warden

Hartley Barrett
CBP

October 13, 2011

You will not be forgotten, Brother.

NLC, Special Agent
DHS/ICE/HSI (Texas)

March 18, 2011

George was a great man, he was my high school ag teacher and such an inspiration to me. I became a better person because of George, and even though he is gone his memory will live on forever in the many hearts of everyone he touched.

Sgt Michael Ramage
Oil City Police

August 28, 2010

I can't believe it has been a year. When October 10 came around my heart spent the entire day reflecting on the events that unfolded a year ago. I think about George so often and reflect upon all the great times we and our families had together. Chad & I go to the Fishery every visit back to Athens and we feel so honored that Chad had the chance to work with him and that we were able to get to know his family. Rest in Peace George; I know you are now celebrating the true meaning of life! ...Enjoy we look forward to the day that we meet again!

Amanda West
Wife of a Texas Game Warden

October 14, 2009

On this the first anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today. Rest in Peace. I am praying for solace for your family today and each day of their journey as survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service George gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 10, 2008.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 10, 2009

To Game Warden George H. Whatley Jr., his family and his fellow officers with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department-Law Enforcement Divison:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Warden Whatley’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Warden Whatley and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

October 10, 2009

How I miss you my brother and best childhood friend! Sept. 19, tomorrow you would have been 46. The last time I talked to George was on his 45th birthday last year and God took him on on Oct. 10. We never know when the time will come but I am so thankful that God shared him with us for 45 years. I have reflected back on so many memories that George and I shared together, and I am so thankful that we shared so many. I cherish each and everyone! And I miss him so much! He left a wonderful wife and two great young men and I pray that God will continue to comfort them and hold them close as they continue to miss his presents in this life. Oh how I look forword to the day that we reunite again with George, what a day that will be! I love you George!

Sharon Crowder
sister

September 18, 2009

The wicked fleee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

May God be with you and all who mourn you. May he give them the strength to carry on. You are in my thoughts and prayers

To his sons: Your dad is a hero, now and always. He will never be forgotten. He loves you always and forever. Never forget that. Ever. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many. Keep hanging in there!

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 6, 2009

To Kelly,
I know the nights are getting longer now and it seems like the sun will never rise. Find comfort in Gods word and watching your amazing sons. They are fine boys. Always know that we are here for you as well as the Parks & Wildlife family. Keep God close to your heart through this time of trial!
God Bless you all

Elena Wagstaff Kelley
Game Warden Wesley Wagstaff EOW 8-5-03

November 12, 2008

Kelly,Sam,Seth
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your husband and your father. It seems that we have lost another brother and a outstanding young man. Based on what I have read and the testimonials that I have heard from those who knew George, I am saddened that I never was able to meet him. I was out of town at the time of his death and unable to attend the memorial and graveside services. You were then and you are now still in my thoughts and prayers.

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

God Bless,

Karen D. Simmons
Texas Game Warden

Karen D. Simmons
Texas Game Warden

November 8, 2008

It is so hard to believe that you are really gone. We both know that West Texas is not our "home"...but I thank God that we were sent here because of YOU! Even though Chad and I knew you for only 5 months...it feels like we knew you since the beginning of time. You were so natural, so real, so Godly. I remember the first time we came to church in Van Horn and I saw you sitting by yourself...that is when I began to know GEOREGE WHATLEY. Kelly and the boys were back "home"...East Texas...and there you sat in church, praising and worshiping our God. From that moment I gained so much respect and love for you...and I'm so sad that you may not have ever known that. The times we went to eat lunch after church and all you talked about was Kelly, Sam, and Seth. You talked about how you couldn't wait for Kelly and I to meet. The boys, they were your heart and your soul...and you would be so proud of them now! I remember the stories...the lessons...the Word that you shared with them. You and Kelly did a fantastic job raising these two and their strength, beliefs, and love shows more now than you could've ever imagined. Your home is beautiful...and your services were so "George"! Chad and I have not been back to church yet, and when we do (when hunting season settles down)....I can only imagine how I will feel walking in that building and not seeing your smiling face. Your life, your person, your inner soul made such a lasting impression in my life and I know that I am a better person because of you. Thank you for your service to TPWD and for allowing Chad & I to be part of your life. We miss Kelly and the boys, but now they are back where they need to be, home. I can imagine you in Heaven talking about hunting with my dad, and that makes me smile! We miss you and love you so much! Thanks again for your dedication, love, support, guidance, and passion for the Lord. Rest in Peace, George!
~Amanda West~

Amanda West, Wife of a Texas Game Warden

November 8, 2008

I am saddened by your loss. May your family and friends me your shield and your guidance through these trying times.

Greg Hurst
Brother of fallen game warden Justin Hurst

brother of game warden Justin Hurst

October 30, 2008

ASCENSION

And if I go,
While you’re still here---
Know that I live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
--behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
So you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
--both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest,
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart,
…I will be there.

By Colleen Hitchcock

Lisa Schultz
wife of Don Schultz, Phx. P.D., E.O.W. 5-12-2004

October 30, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with those friends and family members that are left behind and cannot follow. Rest in peace my brother in blue...we will take it from here.

PFC Adam F. Laser
Westminster City Police Department

October 27, 2008

RIP Brother George,

Keep the gates of heaven open for the rest of us

Cpl. Robert L. Padgett ( RET )
Charles County Sheriff's Office, Md.

October 25, 2008

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office

October 24, 2008

Rest In Peace Brother

Deputy John Latour (retired)
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

October 24, 2008

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

October 23, 2008

Though it was not my good fortune to know Officer Whatley, those close to me have often spoken of his strength of character, personal integrity, and kind heart. His loss is a tragedy for all of the lives he touched.

It is easy to imagine how the officer with a kind face and easy smile reassured citizens when he was asked to leave home to assist flood victims in Presidio. As a citizen of Texas, I am proud that Officer Whatley represented us so well, but saddened that the life-saving assistance he gladly offered to others was not immediately available for him when needed.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous

October 22, 2008