Henry Julius McManus

Henry J. McManus,75, of Clinton, MD departed this earthly life on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at Doctor’s Hospital in Lanham, MD. Born in Moultrie, GA, he was the son of the late Lillie Mae and Julius McManus. Henry graduated as valedictorian from Moultrie High School for Negro Youth in 1957. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta. While at Morehouse, Henry became a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Henry earned his Master’s degree from American University in Washington, DC. Henry started his 40 year career in the Federal Government at the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office from March 1962 until April 1963. Henry served on active duty with the United States Army from April 1963 to April 1965. He then returned to the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office as senior project mathematician from May 1965 until January 1976, when he became a senior computer specialist at the Defense Mapping Agency until January 1979. From 1979 until he retired in 2002, Henry worked for the United States Coast Guard. In 2002, Henry was honored with the Commander’s Award for Sustained Excellence in the Federal Government. He managed over 60 omega monitor sites, which provided worldwide coverage. One of these sites was placed aboard Jacques Cousteau’s marine research vessel “Calypso,” for which Henry developed techniques to retrieve the data. During this time, Henry developed agreements with various countries for the establishment of monitor sites. He evaluated and maintained the Omega Master File. Henry’s other career accomplishments include acquiring a main frame computer to run the Omega Synchronization Program, which saved several hundred thousands of dollars; establishing one of the first PC networks in the Coast Guard; leading the effort to update the Omega System Synchronization Process; and helping to develop the Coast Guard Navigation Center’s Navigation Information Center website. Henry enjoyed fishing, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. He leaves to celebrate his life, his loving wife Mary D. (Thompson) McManus; his son Julius Neal McManus of Clinton, MD, daughter Lizbeth Patrice McManus of Upper Marlboro, MD, sister-in-law Penelope Ann Jones (James Sr.), a devoted cousin, Gloria Mathis (Willie) and many other relatives and friends To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Henry Julius McManus please visit our Sympathy Store.