Dr. Petty
Dr. William H. Petty was born Feb. 26, 1960, in New Boston to Dr. Laura Petty Burrell and Col. James E. Petty Sr. He was the third of four children.
The family moved to Rockdale, where Wi lliam excelled in academics and graduated from Rockdale High School Class of 1978. He then completed his bachelor’s degree at Austin College.
William held a deep appreciation for the visual and performing arts. He served as a board trustee (1991-1992) for the Evansville Museum of Art & Science in Evansville, Indiana.
William was also an accomplished pianist having learned to play from an early age and later polishing his skills by playing for several churches throughout the state of Texas.
William will be best remembered by his warm smile, his quick comedic wit, his quiet dignity and, above all, his willingness to assist others who were experiencing trauma.
William earned his master’s and doctorate in psychology from the University of Texas.
He worked for the Austin Police Department in the Victim Services Unit supporting victims of crime.
He was driven by a sincere belief in the resilience of the human spirit, especially when supported by someone who cares.
Dur ing the Obama administration, William deployed those same skills and empathy as a fellow with the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime. He then worked alongside the women and men of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Later he retired from the Houston Police Department, where he supported officers as a police psychologist in the Psychological Services Division.
He transitioned from this life to the next on Aug. 25, 2026, and is survived by his loving family and a host of friends and colleagues: his brothers, Edward (Wanda) of Beaumont, James Jr. (Gail) of Sherman; his sister, Madelyn of Arlington; his niece, Rebecca Petty of Austin; and nephews Bradley Petty of Dallas, Larry Wells (Erica) of Beaumont, Allen Petty of San Antonio and Cedric Bowman of Fort Worth.
His memory will remain alive in them and his family is eternally grateful for his life and light.
A celebration of his life and legacy will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 at Oaklawn Cemetery, 201 S. Pear St. in Rockdale.
In lieu of flowers, please contact the family or visit www.mabriemortuary.com for organizations/charities to donate to in honor of Dr. William H. Petty, PhD. May he rest in peace.