Bo was born and raised in DeRidder, Louisiana. He graduated from DeRidder High School in 1960, and he went on to attend McNeese State University in Lake Charles. Bo served five years with the United States Air Force. While stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas, Bo guarded Air Force One while Lyndon B. Johnson was president. In 1966, Bo attended and graduated from Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science in Houston, Texas.
Bo is an Eagle Scout, a member of the Order of the Arrow, and also the Brotherhood. Bo’s passions include hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling, camping, and loving his grandchildren.
Bo married his wife Voylene in June 1973. He is the father of James L. Gill, Jr. and Catherine Ann Gill Williams. He is the stepfather of Mark S. Gates. Bo and Voylene have six grandchildren.