Ryan Willhite serves as a Private Investigator with Private Eyes Inc., bringing more than three decades of leadership, law enforcement, military service, and investigative experience to the team.
Originally from Ronceverte, West Virginia, Ryan became a North Carolina resident in 1991 following his active-duty service with the United States Marine Corps during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Assigned to the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, he served in the Persian Gulf and later deployed again in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Ryan retired from the United States Marine Corps in April 2016 after an extraordinary 30-year military career, achieving the rank of Sergeant Major. He concluded his service as the Regiment Sergeant Major for the 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, based in Devens, Massachusetts.
His law enforcement career began in 1994 with the Greenville Police Department, where he served as a Patrol Officer, SWAT Team Assistant, Team Leader, and Special Investigator in the Vice and Narcotics Unit. After eight years of service, Ryan became the Law Enforcement Training Coordinator at Pitt Community College where he played a vital role in preparing and mentoring future law enforcement professionals.
Ryan earned his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University in 2012. He later served as Chief of Police for the Town of Winterville from May 2013 through July 2023, leading the department with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to public safety.
Today, Ryan is a valued member of the Private Eyes Inc. investigative team, where his extensive military, law enforcement, leadership, and investigative background provides clients with exceptional experience, insight, and dedication in every case.