According to media outlets, Bill Wittliff, a celebrated writer, filmmaker and photographer who wrote the screenplay for the iconic 1985 television miniseries “Lonesome Dove” and co-founded a popular archive of Southwestern writers and other artists at Texas State University, died Sunday from a heart attack. He was 79.

Wittliff donated his materials from Lonesome Dove, which won seven Emmys, two Golden Globes and a Peabody Award, to the archive at Texas State. Besides “Lonesome Dove,” Wittliff was also the writer and director of the 1986 film “Red Headed Stranger” starring Willie Nelson, in addition to other screen credits and books.

Wittliff attended Blanco High School for several years.

Jim Wittliff, Bill’s older brother, conveyed that the family is currently working on arrangements and that burial is being arranged at the Texas State Cemetery, in honor of prominent Texans and their spouses.

Below is a public letter issued by Texas State University President Denise Trauth about Wittliff’s passing.

Dear Texas State Community,

It saddens me greatly to share that Dr. Bill Wittliff, a Texas State Hero, and a dear friend, passed away on June 9, 2019.

Bill and his wife, Dr. Sally Wittliff, founded The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University in 1986 to create a special collections research archive, library, and exhibition gallery focused entirely on the creative spirit of Texas and the Southwest. Because of their continued support, today The Wittliff includes more than 500 special collections in literature, photography, music, and film, and attracts visitors, researchers, and lifelong learners from around the globe. It stands as a tribute to Bill’s legacy.

Bill was a gifted writer, filmmaker, photographer, artist, and visionary. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, but particularly to our students. During special programs at The Wittliff attended by hundreds of people of all ages, Bill could usually be found in the corner of the room surrounded by students as he patiently answered questions about the creative process.

Because of Bill and Sally’s generosity and vision, people from across the U.S. and around the world have come to know Texas State through the remarkable collections of The Wittliff.

We mourn Bill’s passing and send our deepest condolences to Sally and the Wittliff family.

Sincerely, President Denise Trauth, Texas State University