Neil Ray Morriston

ELGIN - Neil Ray Morriston, 1SG (retired), 69, of Elgin, SC lost his bravely fought battle with ALS on 28 Feb 2025. He was born in Dunbar, WV 21 Nov 1955 to Earl F. and Joyce June (Neal) Morriston. He was our Hero, our Rock, and the Love of our lives and he will always live on forever in our memories and hearts.

Neil spent 21 years proudly serving his country in the United States Army as a Light Wheel Mechanic retiring in August 1996. Even after his retirement he took great pride in being a military veteran. His duty stations included Homestead AFB, FL; Bad Kreuznach, Germany; Ft. Polk, LA; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Ft Eustis, VA; Bamberg, Germany; Ft Jackson, SC; Korea and Ft. Bragg, NC where he retired returning to his home in SC. He was known as “Top” by many soldiers he served with. After his Army career Neil went to work at the House of Raeford as a maintenance manager for 15 years and at Chem Station for 5 years before retiring due to his ALS diagnosis.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 49 years, Cynthia; loving daughters, Kristina Morriston of Elgin and Jessica (Morriston) Foster and son-in-law, Trey of West Columbia; and his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “PA” - they were the apple of his eyes - granddaughters, Hanna, Hailey, and Harleigh Foster; grandson, Landen Morriston - they were the love of his life and he was so very proud of each and every one of them. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Nancy Mooney; brothers, Lee and Mark Morriston, all of Charleston, WV; his sister-in-law, Jerene of Lugoff, SC; brother-in-law, Mark (Debbie) of Cape Coral, FL and numerous nieces and nephews. Neil was preceded in death by his loving parents, Earl and Joyce; his best friend and brother, Larry F. Morriston; sister, Dawn Elkins and stepmother, Juanita.

Neil’s hobbies included spending time with his grandchildren, which was his greatest joy, fishing, watching and going to NASCAR races, woodworking and always lending a helping hand when he could. Neil made a positive and lasting impact on those he crossed paths with.

Neil’s family would like to extend the utmost gratitude to the VA team at both Charleston and Columbia in South Carolina, his respiratory therapist, the ICU nurses at MUSC NE, the MUSC Hospice team, and Right at Home for always taking such excellent care of him. Also, the many friends who took the time to reach out to him and help to lift his spirits. Neil’s daughters would also like to thank their mother for everything she did for him.

Graveside services will be held in the Fort Jackson National Cemetery on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 1400 hours (2:00 p.m.). Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, is assisting the family. Service will be live-streamed.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask donations be made to the ALS Association.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.