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Submitted: 4/21/21 • Approved: 4/21/21 • Last Updated: 4/24/21 • R411410-G0-S3
Feb 18, 1932-July 17, 2016
Obituary:
Maurice Charles Ehrlich passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016, at the age of 84 at his home in Aubrey, TX surrounded by the love of his family. He was born February 18, 1932 in Follett, TX to Asaph Edward Ehrlich and Otilla Laubhan Ehrlich. He graduated from Follett High School in 1949 and married his high school sweetheart, Bobbie Ann Searcy in 1951. He graduated West Texas State College in 1953 and returned home to Follett where he taught high school history and civics. He was also active in the farm and ranch community, custom combining and raising cattle. During that time two children were born, Mark Lee and Mauri Ann.
In 1959, Maurice purchased Crump's Dry Goods Store (moved from Ivanhoe, OK in 1917) and renamed it The Family Mart. To progress and insure the small town's success, he worked hard to maintain Follett's business and social life. He helped initiate the formation of the Follett Jaycees and along with others worked on many events including the annual Fourth of July celebration, numerous plays, cookouts, community clean up days, and various social activities.
In 1966, the family moved to San Angelo, TX where Maurice entered the clothing business accepting the position of district sales manager for the children's wear manufacturer Simon and Mogilner. Maurice was inventive and created a more efficient way to display the merchandise line to buyers when on the road making sales calls. In order to solve the time consuming problem of packing and unpacking the line multiple times for presentation, he created a traveling showroom inside an airstream trailer, pulling it behind his car. Buyers loved the ease and comfort of the showroom, and Maurice increased efficiency and sales. In 1969, he was offered the regional sales manager position and was transferred to Atlanta, GA.
While in New York investigating a franchise opportunity for Jerry Lewis Cinemas, a talent agent noticed he was from Atlanta and presented him the concept of a small entertainment venue for rising musicians and comedians, much like the Troubadour in West Hollywood. Maurice was intrigued with the idea and together with a friend started The Great Southeast Music Hall & Performing Arts Exchange. Some of the artists who performed at "The Music Hall" included Jimmy Buffett, Joe Walsh, Linda Ronstadt, Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Billy Joel to name a few.
In 1980, Maurice formed Ehrlich Corporation and Ehrlich Manufacturing Inc., which produced a line of clothing named "Ducks." Family owned and operated, goods were sold to the PX bases all over the world through the Army Air Force Exchange Services in addition to J.C. Penney and assorted smaller stores as well.
Maurice was involved in several philanthropic projects and business endeavors through out his life. He possessed a positive outlook coupled with a strong work ethic and determination. Maurice believed strongly in the sanctity of a man's word and doing the "right thing" when faced with difficult decisions. Both were principles he used to guide his daily life.
Maurice enjoyed spending time with his family and connecting with friends on Facebook. He also enjoyed painting, writing, and playing the piano. Maurice often spoke of his lifelong love, Bobbie Ann, with whom he celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on May 29, 2016.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church as well as a loyal member of the masonic lodge serving as Grand Master and receiving his fifty-year pin. Maurice will be will be remembered most for his entrepreneurial spirit, generosity, and honesty.
Maurice was preceded in death by his parents Asaph and Tillie Ehrlich; sister Joyce Claire; brother Gene; brother-in-law Ike Gillespie. He is survived by his wife Bobbie Ann; son Mark Lee; daughter Mauri Ann and husband Steven Chase; grandson Robert Charles Ehrlich, two sisters: Joanna Gillespie; Bernice Anderson (Bob) and two brothers: L.J. Ehrlich (Ida); Dr. Robert Tracy Ehrlich (Jan); sister-in law Dorothy Schoenhals (Vernon); eleven nieces and six nephews.
Scotty Schilling Funeral Home, Follett, Tx.
Photo courtesy of Glen Love
grlove63@gmail.com
Contributed on 4/21/21 by paperdoll1913
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Record #: 411410