E.F. “Bo” Whitus 1939-2023

E.F. “Bo” Whitus passed away on June 22 at age 84 in the Sun City community of Georgetown. He was born Feb. 1, 1939 in Golden to Ernest Whitus and Grace Ferguson Whitus. He was the younger brother of Anita Whitus Huff.

As a young man, Bo was awarded Eagle Scout and Explorer Silver by the Boy Scouts of America. He was an honor graduate of Mineola High School and twice from Tyler Junior College – once with an associate’s degree and once with a real estate license. He was a graduate of the University of Texas, earning a bachelor’s degree in business, and a die-hard lifelong Longhorn fan. 

Bo served 26 years in the U.S. Navy, including six years in the reserves and retired as a commander. While in the service he completed Navy post graduate school for computer science. After retiring he moved to his hometown of Mineola. During his “retirement,” he furthered his education by earning a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler followed by a doctorate at Texas A&M University Commerce (TAMUC). He also continued his life of service by acting as a member of the Mineola school board, Mineola city council, an enthusiastic advocate for the Mineola Nature Preserve and the mayor of Mineola. He received two Paul Harris fellowships for his service to the Rotary Club and a Silver Beaver for adult service to the Boy Scouts.

Professionally, Bo was an adjunct professor at TAMUC and co-owned Mineola’s H&R Block franchise. He retired again in 2013, moving to Sun City in Georgetown.

He is survived by his wife, Marysue; daughters, Cara McPhillips (Simon) and Jennifer Duval (Mark); grandchildren, Jackson McPhillips and Charlotte McPhillips; nieces, Ellen Brooke and Janice Huff; nephews, James Huff and Jerry Huff; and several nieces/nephews in the Carolinas. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Aug. 27, 1-5 p.m. at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel, 1101 Woodlawn Ave, Georgetown, TX.