Maurice Leland Geiger, 87, passed away at his home on January 4, 2026. He was born January 27, 1938, the youngest of three boys, in Wellborn, Florida, to Thomas Jefferson Geiger and Thelma Leone McDonald Geiger. He attended the Wellborn School, and later Columbia High School, graduating as part of the class of 1956. He then went on to the University of Florida, from 1956 to 1961, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. He would return in 1967-68 for his Master's degree in Education. In between, from 1961 to 1966, Maurice served his country in the Coast and Geodetic Survey (known today as NOAA). Uncle Sammy blessed him with the chance to travel to Hawaii, the Philippines, and all over the western United States. After service, Maurice returned to Wellborn and began his teaching career with the Columbia County school system that spanned from 1966 to 1996.

Besides being a math teacher, Maurice was also known as "the Orchid Man" to many people. For almost 72 years, a hobby that began with four orchids blossomed into 2000 square feet of orchids and other tropical plants. Others remember him for singing at weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. He was a life-long member of the Wellborn Methodist Church, and for the majority of his life, he provided the special music every Sunday morning. In 1977, Maurice married the love of his life, Lillian Ann Parker, and together they raised three daughters in Wellborn. Their 43 years of marriage was one of love, laughter and happiness. Maurice was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, his parents, and his big brothers Lewyn and Donald.

He is survived by his three daughters: Alice Geiger of Wellborn; Marcia (James) Roe of Alachua, Florida; and Joy Geiger of Wellborn; and by two granddaughters: Carmen and Caitlin Roe of Alachua. He is also survived by his nephews: Mark, Matthew and Brian; his niece Anna, his two sisters-in-law, Jewel and Mary Ann, and three grandnieces.

The visitation for Maurice Geiger will be held on Friday, January 9th from 5:00-7:00 pm at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at Wellborn Methodist Church at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 10th. A graveside service will follow at McClellan Cemetery, just South of Wellborn. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.