Gene R. Maurice, 79, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday June 13, 2023, at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. He was born on October 20, 1943, in Waterbury, Connecticut to the late Conrad Raymond Maurice & Rose Gagne Maurice.
Along with his parents, Gene is reunited in passing with his sister, Diana Hart; and many close friends including, Bill “Zuke” Zukowski.
Gene proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps. While enlisted, Gene was recognized for sharp shooting and ammunitions expertise. Following Gene’s honorable separation from the Marine Corps, he returned to Bristol, CT, and went on to become an accomplished automotive mechanic. In his free time, Gene loved model trains, car collectables and listening to Elvis Presley. He would set up hundreds of feet of train tracks throughout the basement for everyone to enjoy. Gene’s never-ending quest to bring smiles to his loved ones’ faces brought him to the fascinating world of magic! Gene could be found practicing his magic tricks for his children and grandchildren at any opportunity as well as performing with his family at various events.
His love for his country led Gene to continue to serve in the military. He went on to join the Army National Guard, retiring after over 25 years as a Master Sergeant in Southington, CT. He retired to Surfside Beach, SC with his wife and spent the rest of his days there surrounded by family.
Gene was a selfless man who would offer the shirt from his back to anyone in need. He and his family were honored to be a foster family for many children over the years. Gene and his family opened their hearts and home to children in need of life’s necessities. Over the years, Gene and his family have become beacons of hope and acceptance. Above everything else, Gene loved his family with his whole heart. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his bright smile, quick wit, outgoing personality, and the love he had for his family.
Left to cherish Gene’s memory are his adoring wife of over 55 years, Mrs. Marie Georgiane “George” Maurice of Surfside Beach; their children, Cris Maurice of Myrtle Beach, Trina Maurice of Summerville, SC & Dean Maurice of Myrtle Beach; grandchildren, Mason, Keana, Brooke, & Corinna; Liza Frank of Georgetown, SC along with her children and grandchildren; brothers, Richard Maurice and wife, Pat of Wolcott, CT, Larry Maurice and wife Lonnie of Reno, NV & Michael Hart and wife, Cindy of Harrisburg, NC; sister, Patty Hart Cochran Alexander and husband Paul of Shelby, NC; a dozen or more foster children, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; a large loving extended family and many supportive friends and neighbors.
A Celebration of Gene’s life will be held 11:00 AM Monday June 19, 2023, at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. The family will gather to greet friends from 10:00AM until the memorial service with military honors commences. Gene will be cremated and buried at sea at a later date in Murrells Inlet- where a plaque in his honor is located on the Veteran’s walk.
At the request of the family, please consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. Donations in Gene’s name may be made to his favorite charities, The Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/
Condolences may be made at www.burroughsfh.com
Burroughs Funeral Home of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.
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