George W. Titus' Obituary
George William Titus entered into eternal rest on March 3, 2009. He was a life-long resident of the Lucketts and Leesburg areas. Born in Leesburg, Virginia on May 3, 1937, he was the son of Joseph Nelson and Marie Gum Titus. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Dorothy Potts Titus, two devoted daughters, Kelli Lin Titus and Kristi Erin Titus, and two grandsons, Ryan Christian Titus and Andrew Nathaniel Titus, all of Leesburg.
George graduated from the Strayer College of Accountancy in Washington, D.C., with a bachelor of commercial science degree in July, 1957. He found employment as a deputy treasurer in the Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office in August 1957.
In September, 1958, at the age of 21, he was appointed by Circuit Court Judge Rayner V. Snead to fill the position of Loudoun County Treasurer after the sudden death of Treasurer S. Reed Galleher. George became the youngest person ever to be appointed a treasurer in Virginia. He ran without opposition and was the leading vote getter in nine general elections serving a total of 38 ½ years as deputy treasurer/treasurer. George transitioned the Treasurer's Office from a completely manual operation to one with state-of-the-art computer technology. He was awarded the title of Certified Governmental Treasurer from the University of Virginia. George was a friend to all and one to be trusted to give an honest answer. He soon became known as a man of the highest integrity.
George has been the recipient of many honors. In 1967, he was summoned to Detroit, Michigan where he was recognized as the outstanding treasurer in the nation by the National Association of County Treasurers and Finance Officers.
The Treasurers Association of Virginia awarded George the prestigious L. Gene Harding Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995 for outstanding and dedicated service to the Treasurers Association of Virginia and to the citizens of Virginia. He also received the Commonwealth Award in 1996 and the Treasurer of the Year Award in 1975.
George was the Loudoun Times-Mirror Man of the Year in 1977 and the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1995. In 2008, the Leesburg Host Lions Club, of which he was an active member for nearly 50 years, awarded him the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award for dedicated humanitarian service.
In 1982, Governor Robb appointed him to the state council on Local Debt, and he was reappointed by Governor Baliles in 1986.
George was a dedicated and active lifetime member of the Leesburg United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company, the Board of Trustees of Union Cemetery, Inc., the Leesburg Host Lions Club, the Salvation Army, the Old Stone Church Foundation, and a retired member of the Treasurer’s Association of Virginia. George was also a devoted Redskins fan, and he enjoyed attending many games at RFK stadium.
No matter what the task, George could always be counted on to see it through to completion. Even during his long hard siege with multiple illnesses, George’s attitude remained positive, and he always tried to fulfill his responsibilities even when he did not feel well. George always saw the good in others. At his church in his role as head usher, he made it a point to always offer a word of welcome to members and visitors alike. George’s influence in this community and state will be felt for many years to come, and he will truly be missed by all.
Those serving as pallbearers include The Honorable Judge Frank Buttery, Andy East, Bud Glass, Ted Jackson, Richard Kirk, Fred Parker, Larry Potts and Chris Shipe.
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