Williamson County commissioners voted Feb. 22 to appoint Bill Gravell Jr. as Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace effective March 1 after Judge Steve Benton announced plans to retire on Feb. 28.

Benton served as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3 for 13 years. His term would have ended Dec. 31, 2014.

Gravell has served as a court administrator for the 425th District Court. He holds a bachelor's degree in religious studies from Mary-Hardin Baylor University. Previously, he served on the Sonterra MUD board of directors as president and as a commissioner for Emergency Services District No. 5.