Gerry Mac Peoples

PEOPLES, GERRY MAC As we say goodbye to Mac Peoples—our father, teacher, husband and friend-we take great comfort in a life lived simply, yet abundantly, among the pleasures of family and friends. We are grateful for the opportunity to revisit his legacy as a Texas public educator, and we are thankful for the many students, teachers, parents and friends who shared his love for learning in schoolhouses and classrooms all across Texas. Born in Marquez, Texas, on June 10, 1930, Mr. Peoples was the son of James Harmon and Maude McDaniel Peoples. He graduated from Marquez High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas and a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. He was a proud member of the SWT Bobcat Football Team and his commitment to excellence earned him a spot on the Dallas Morning News All State Football Squad. Upon graduating from college, Mr. Peoples focused his love of athletics and education on a 36-year career as a Texas public educator. In 1961, he led the Connally Cadet Football Team to the state quarterfinals, and later returned to Connally in 1974 as superintendent of schools, until his retirement in 1992. Always a coach at heart, Mr. Peoples could be found standing behind the goalpost at every Connally football game, displaying the “Cadet Pride” that so aptly defined his devotion to education. Years later, the district renamed the football field “Mac Peoples Stadium” in his honor. Mr. Peoples is survived by his wife Rae, a retired teacher and librarian and a devoted best friend who loved every minute of their life’s journey. Mr. Peoples is also survived by his daughters, Linda Lindsey of Corpus Christi and Carol Hensley of Houston; two sons-in-law, Skeet Lindsey and Mike Hensley; two grandsons, Austin and Justus; a sister, Coleta McNabb and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Peoples was a member of the First Baptist Church of Waco and greatly enjoyed the fellowship of his Sunday School Class. Funeral services for Mr. Peoples will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, at First Baptist Church of Waco, 5th Street and Webster. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home at 6101 Bosque Blvd. A graveside service will be held at 4:00PM Thursday, March 21 at Marquez Cemetery, Marquez, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to send contributions to Meals on Wheels or the church of your preference. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY