George M. Willhoite

George M. Willhoite (Mike), age 81 of Columbia, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Mike was born May 6, 1945 in Belleville, KS to George H. Willhoite and Maxine Willhoite. Even as a young boy, he had a deep desire to help others. He enjoyed working alongside his dad, running the projector at the local drive-in movie theater and doing odd tasks around his community. His deep natural talent and fast skill pickup provided a path for excellence in everything he did.

Mike graduated from Lawrence High School in Lawrence, KS in 1963 and attended the University of Kansas where he studied engineering. Prior to calling South Carolina home, he was a resident in Missouri and Arizona.

Mike spent over 40 years as plant manager over multiple market leaders in pasta such as, American Beauty, Pillsbury, Ravarino & Freschi (R&F), Borden, and American Italian Pasta Co. (AIPC). He was both loved and respected by his co-workers for his honesty, fairness, practical jokes, and the ability to provide a supportive environment and culture of belonging.

Some of Mike’s interests included drag racing, photography (including astrophotography), ham radio, and motorcycles. He relished the opportunity to scuba dive and was a passionate aviator who enjoyed daily excursions up and down the east coast. He enjoyed the beach, visiting new places, and engaging in the Flight Club. He also enjoyed the 2-step and Imperial dancing, as well as traveling with his wife whom he shared his love of cats, including Katter, Dougie, Jakey, and Maggie. He delighted in taking his children camping, swimming, boating, and sharing his love for scuba diving, cars, music and making memories with his grandchildren.

His family will forever miss his quick wittedness, the ability to make you feel heard and understood, and his sound advice. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, love, and his fierce generosity he shared with everyone that knew him.

Mike is survived by his wife of 35 years, Eula Willhoite; his sister Sydney Cash of Rolla, MO; five children- Kim Ronchetto and son-in-law, Rick of Washington, MO; Michael Kerby and daughter-in-law, Heidi of Warsaw, MO; Jeffrey Willhoite and daughter-in-law, Kristina of Wentzville, MO; Wendy Piper and son-in-law, Kevin of Yukon, OK; and Teresa O’dell of Marthasville, MO. Mike is also survived by a niece and nephew, 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, George and Maxine and his aunt, Mary Helen Willhoite.

A committal service will be held on September 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Monett IOOF Cemetery, 1581 N. Central Ave, Monett, MO 65708, where Mike will be laid to rest alongside his parents and grandparents.