W.L. Kelley "Bill" Kelley

Kelley, W. L. "Bill" Kelley
Deputy Commissioner, California Highway Patrol (Ret.), was born on February 1, 1942, in Dallas, Texas. His parents were the late Ruby Brown and McCullan Kelley. When he was 14, his family moved to Los Angeles (LA). Bill graduated from Jefferson High School in LA in 1959. He was an ambitious young man and politically active in his youth. He took a bus to Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 to march with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. His interest in law enforcement began with his arrest during this peaceful demonstration. After working various jobs in the LA area, Bill came upon an impressive sight, that of a black California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer named Homer Garrott. Bill realized he could be successful making social change while working within the system. Because of this, Bill, father of three, enrolled in the CHP Academy where he began his illustrious career. After completing his training, he returned to LA with his family in his beloved 1964 Chevrolet Malibu and reported to the South LA office in 1967 for his first assignment. Bill transferred to the Central LA office in 1969, which was home of the TV series "CHiPs." Bill used his talent for public speaking and became the public information and education officer. His outstanding performance as an officer earned a promotion to sergeant in 1973. Bill promoted to lieutenant in 1982 and to the rank of captain in 1989, serving in the LA area. In 1990, he became commander of Internal Affairs Section in Sacramento and continued to excel as he attained the ranks of assistant chief and deputy chief. In November of 1995, Governor Pete Wilson appointed Bill to the position of deputy commissioner, second in command to Commissioner D. O. "Spike" Helmick, making Bill the highest ranking African American in CHP history. After earning a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, he was an active participant in the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, California Peace Officers Association, The American Legion, East 60th Street Community Youth Center in LA, Black Advocates in State Service, The Urban League, and Sacramento Blood Bank. He was a vital participant in the Archdiocese of LA Youth Employment Program, the Annual Toy Give-Away, and the Martin Luther King Jr., Day Parades, ensuring the longevity of the parades with the support of CHP officers and staff. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons: Derrick, Kevin, and Jason Kelley; daughter Chandra Kelley; 12 grandchildren; grandmother Gaily Evans of Dallas, Texas; sisters: Brenda Dotson, Linda Hawkins, Ethel Hart; brother Claude Hawkins, Jr. and other relatives. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2003, at 11 a.m. at First African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2270 South Harvard Boulevard, L.A. The body will lay in state from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.