Maurice Gindratt Sr.

In Loving Memory of Maurice David Gindratt Sr.

On March 29,1952, a beautiful Spring day in Waco, Texas, our beloved Maurice David Gindratt Sr. affectionately known to everyone as “Squirrel”, was born to Reverend Claud C. and Ather Miles Gindratt. He was the fourth son born to the family.

Being a preacher’s son, Maurice found Christ early on.  While living in Waco, Texas, he was a member of Toliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.  He participated in the Baptist Youth Bible Training, Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School classes, Youth Training and Mission Programs and sports programs sponsored by the Church. He later went on to join Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in 1977 and was a faithful tither, deacon, and choir member.  In 2018 he joined Greater Garden Baptist Church and was a deacon there as well.

Maurice attended Waco Independent School District schools: J. H. Hines Elementary, G.L. Wiley Junior High School, and A.J. Moore High School.  He was an active in all sports, student government, choral and social events. He knew early on that he would be a master craftsman and aid in the minds of countless children. He decided to further his education at Prairie View A&M University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in 1975.  He later advanced his education at Texas A&M Commerce where he obtained his Master of Science degree in 2006.

It was there on “The Hill” at Prairie View A&M University, where he met the love of his life, Charlene Branch, in Prairie View, Texas. They were married on April 15, 1977. They built the most wonderful life together.  For 44 years, Maurice loved, cherished an honored her until his transition.

He played all the sports available from the time he could walk to his adult life. He was so competitive in everything he did.  He always strived to be his BEST.

He was a man of many talents, interests and seized all his dreams and started his passion for teaching at D.A. Hulcy Middle School in 1975.  He then went on to teach Industrial Arts & Engineering at Woodrow Wilson High School for 39 years. He also coached soccer, golf, and football and was loved by his peers and students.

He was a PROUD member of The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., pledging the Delta Theta Chapter at PVAMU.  In his leisure time, Maurice loved golfing with his crew Fred, Don, Willie, Sarge, West, Bobby, and Al.   His absolute favorite past time was watching The Young and The Restless. Maurice was the ultimate provider, a guidance counselor, nurturer, coach, an amazing husband, father, brother, and great friend.

Maurice departed this life on November 14, 2021, and was preceded in death by his parents Claud C. Gindratt and Ather Miles Gindratt; brothers James C. Gindratt, Claude Gindratt Jr., and Mack Daniel Gindratt; sisters Ruthie Gindratt and Lora Gindratt Johnson.

He is survived by his beautiful, devoted Wife of 44 years, Charlene Gindratt; his children Jason Gindratt, Maurice Gindratt II, Charkesesechia Houston (Quentin), Natasha Sheffield (Michael); his siblings Flora Allen (George), Henry L. Gindratt (Jerlin), Margarett Williamson (Samuel), Carolyn G. Green, and Yolanda G. Hubert (Billy); six grandchildren - Evyn, Dante, Michael II, Atiyah, Destinee, and Maurice II and four great-grandchildren - Kayden, Dariyah, Jernei, and DaMauri;  two Goddaughters and one Godson. And a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

We aspire to live now as he did, connected to the ones that we love and love us, so that we can bring joy and laughter to their lives. Therefore, today we celebrate his life and the positive impact he left.  To say that Maurice will be missed is a vast understatement. He meant so much to so many and his passing has broken our hearts, but he would not want us to focus on his passing. Rather, to remember him as the gentle giant he was and that person that put smiles on all our faces.

He loved fiercely and deeply and will be remembered for his infectious laugh and quick wit. We take comfort in knowing that Maurice is now at peace and safe in God’s arms!

Matthew 5:4

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’