Maurice Eddy Tait, of Fayetteville, Ga. passed away on December 25, 2014 at 77 years old with his loving wife, Lynne Tait, by his side. He passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness on Christmas morning of 2014. He leaves a gaping hole and is sorely missed.
Mr. Tait was witty, captivating and an incredible light to all who knew him. He was born on September 21, 1937 in the picturesque coastal town of Knysna, South Africa, the son of the late Gert Hermanus Tait and Magrieta Hilda Tait, and one of nine children. When speaking of his childhood, he would frequently tell tales of jumping off enormous cliffs in death-defying feats and the one-time houseguest who taught him how to fight with a knife.
Mr. Tait served in the South African Air Force from January 1956 through December 1956. He would say of his military time that he frequently was forced to peel potatoes for bad behavior and until the day he died, he could still peel a potato so that the peel was a single piece. He graduated with a BA in Sociology and Psychology from the University of South Africa in 1966, and received a Master of Business Leadership from the University of South Africa in 1972.
Mr. Tait had a long and interesting career beginning with his work as a gold miner from January 1957 until January 1960. He then worked as a clerk/personnel officer from October 1961 through July 1970, and became a manager of Samancor in June of 1974, where he continued to work through November of 1983.
On September 10, 1983, Maurice married a sweet southern belle, Lynne (née Owings of Rockwood, Tenn.). They had a daughter, Sloane. When asked if having a girl was a disappointment, he stated that he simply would not have known what to do with a son.
Mr. Tait worked for EMSA/Union Carbide from November 1983 through his retirement in March of 1994, and then altered the course of his life by moving to Peachtree City, Ga. Ironically, he was treated to indignities like the American consulate telling him he needed to learn English, to which he retorted that he spoke the Queen’s English, thank you very much. He became a United States citizen on September 11, 2000.
He never did choose to speak the southern twang of his transplanted home, but did enjoy a happy full life as an avid golfer and would often tell that he had played with Ernie Els, but mostly with his grandfather. Maurice and Lynne lived a vivid and full life together and enjoyed many activities, including going to ballet recitals and fancy restaurants. Maurice and Lynne were active members of the Peachtree City United Methodist Church for 21 years, and where he also served as a member of Stephens Ministry for many years. Lynne is employed by the Fayette County Board of Education and currently teaches at Kedron Elementary. Sloane is attorney at Clark, Oxendine & Sauls LP, in Suwanee, Ga. When asked, he would brag endlessly on both of his daughters.
He leaves behind many who will miss him, although some left this earth before him. He is survived by wife, Lynne Tait, and daughters, Sloane Tait (Bob Blount), Adéle Tait of South Africa, editor of Bike magazine (Craig Brown).
Maurice was preceded in death by his beloved daughter René Tait also of South Africa (Maurizio Zorio).
Brothers, sisters, and in-Laws include: Cecil Tait*, Norman Tait (Lietsie Tait), Stanley Tait* (Anita Tait* and Laetitia Tait), Ann Bober (Michael Bober*), Maxie Prodehl (Antony Prodehl*), Willie Tait (Stella Tait), Hennie Tait* (Miriam Tait), Gerrit Tait*, Leonore, Mitzi and Billy Bolitha and Agaleen Van Zyl, Sammye Myers (Bill Myers*), Edward Owings (Jo Owings* and Berylene Owings*), Tommy Owings* (Reba Owings* and Nora Lee Owings), Bettye Martin* (Richard Martin*), Jack Owings* (Maryann Owings), Judy Wassom* (Stanley Wassom*), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and gran nephews. (* Indicates passed away)
A Memorial Service was held on December 28, 2014. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Maurice’s name for the Peachtree City United Methodist AA Group We Can Help at the Peachtree City United Methodist Church.
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City – www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
