Flags at half-staff for former Burnet County Sheriff W.T. Smith
Former Burnet County Sheriff William T. ‘W.T.’ Smith passed away on May 4, 2025. Smith dedicated nearly 50 years to military and law enforcement service, including eight years as Burnet County sheriff. File photo
William T. “W.T.” Smith, a former Burnet County sheriff and a career lawman, died Sunday, May 4, 2025. Born in San Antonio on Nov. 19, 1940, Smith dedicated nearly five decades to public service and safety. Flags across Burnet County will be lowered to half-staff this week in his honor.
Smith served two stints with the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office: from 1993-2003 as a staff member and then 2009-16 as the elected sheriff. He retired in 2016 with a total of 18 years and six months of Burnet County law enforcement duty under his belt. He began his career with the San Antonio Police Department in 1968, contributing to the patrol, criminal intelligence, and homicide divisions.
A master peace officer and master jailer, Smith accumulated an impressive 5,882 training hours with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education. He graduated from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) with a Bachelor of Science in law enforcement and attended the prestigious FBI National Academy, session 186.
Among his many notable accomplishments, Smith led investigations in several high-profile cases, including one that ended with the closure of the Christ of the Hills Monastery in Blanco County and the arrests of five monks on charges of child sexual assault.
Before his law enforcement career, Smith served in the U.S. Army (1966-68) and saw active duty in Europe and Vietnam. His military honors include the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal with two overseas Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Expeditionary Force Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
His service to community includes being a licensed Baptist minister and an active participant on many boards and committees.
Smith’s life was marked by his deep Christian faith, enduring marriage, and signature sense of humor. He and his late wife, Eileen, were married for 55 years after first meeting as skating partners. She preceded him in death last July.
He is survived by his three daughters—Julie Davis of Bixby of Oklahoma, Wendy Flynn of Willis, Texas, and Brandi Banks of San Marcos—as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members. His beloved Yorkie, Lulu, was his constant companion in later years.
Visitation is Monday, May, 19 from 5-7 p.m. at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Marble Falls. A celebration of life service is 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, at Hill Country Fellowship Church in Burnet. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to organizations Smith held dear: The 100 Club of Central Texas, Highland Lakes Family Crisis Center, and CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ).
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly said Smith was survived by his wife, Eileen. She preceded him in death in July 2024. DailyTrib.com apologizes for the error.