SMITH COUNTY - Last week, we told you how four Smith County Sheriff's officials were under investigation and fired for taking advantage of county privileges-- including the use of inmates.

This week, we have learned one of them-- has died.

Officials with the Department of Public Safety say 58-year-old Gary Lile was found dead at his Lindale home early Thursday morning by a family member.

Officials say Lile's wife found him lying in a small building outside the home, with a single gun shot wound to his chest early.

Officials say at this time, they "do not" suspect foul play.

And, they are treating this case as an apparent suicide.

As you can only imagine, this news brought shock to many parts of East Texas.

Lile was an active law enforcement officer for more than 40 years.

He was most recently a Lieutenant with the Sheriff's Department and the former Smith County Jail Administrator.

Before working for the Smith County Sheriff's Department, he was the Winnsboro Police Chief.

Sheriff J.B. Smith says he will be missed by many.

Sheriff Smith says, "We are part of his extended family. The emotion and trauma is running through this agency. It's been very traumatic."

Lile leaves behind a wife and 14-year-old son.

The Texas Rangers are investigating his death.

Lile's body was taken to dallas for autopsy.