N. Welch Morrisette Jr.

Born August 29, 1921 in Uniontown, Alabama, Morrisette was the son of Louise Raveses Fowlkes and Nathaniel Welch Morrisette. A student at the University of Alabama, Morrisette’s education was interrupted by World War II where he enlisted and would become a decorated veteran of the China-Burma-India Theatre. It was in India where he met his wife, Margaret, a volunteer with the Red Cross. Upon seeing his wife for the first time, Morrisette remarked to a friend, “That’s the woman I’m going to marry”.

After the war Morrisette returned to Alabama to graduate from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama Law School (1947). The Morrisette family would then move to Columbia in 1949 where he would serve as an officer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps at Fort Jackson.

After leaving the military, Morrisette established a successful career in law and became a prominent figure in city, county, state and federal government. In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Morrisette as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of South Carolina, a position he held until 1961. In 1970, he was the first republican in 100 years to be elected to the Columbia City Council, serving for three years. In 1971, Morrisette aided famed defense attorney F. Lee Bailey in securing the acquittal of war crimes of Captain Ernest L. Medina.

From 1973-74, Morrisette served on the Richland County Council as a Councilman, and then as Chairman from 1974-75. Morrisette was honored by Richland County in 1987 with a plaque bearing his name and quote, “Justice Will Direct Our Course”, placed at the lobby of the Richland County Judicial Center; the event was attended by several city, county and state leaders.

Morrisette served in several legal and political positions in South Carolina, ranging from President of the Richland County Bar Association, a member of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, American Judicature Society, and Vice Chairman of the State Election Commission where he is remembered for his statement ” I propose to reform our state institutions to resist rather than invite political corruption.”

A renaissance man and true southern gentleman, Morrisette was a devout supporter of his alma mater, donating a large contribution to the University of Alabama Law School. He was a member of the Huguenot Society of South Carolina, served on the Boards of Directors for the American Executive Investment Corporation and First Citizens Bank and Trust Company of South Carolina which he helped found. In 1978, Governor James B. Edwards awarded Morrisette “The Order of The Palmetto”.

After a tragic accident brought an end to his legal and political career, Morrisette actively sought new and varied experiences in the next chapter of his life to include chasing severe weather events, even flying to Iceland to witness firsthand a volcanic eruption.

When discussing his life, Morrisette often noted his humble beginnings and remarked “My father used to say that my only inheritance would be a sound mind and a strong constitution”.

Mr. Morrisette was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret Anne Thomas; and three sisters, Louise Morrisette Moody, Marie Morrisette McKinley, and Frances Morrisette Lawson. He is survived by his brother, William Fowlkes Morrisette of Greensboro, North Carolina; two daughters, Anne Morrisette Kight (Robert D. Kight) of Land O’ Lakes, Florida, and Louisa Morrisette of Columbia; two granddaughters Christina and Eugenia Kight; a best friend and loved companion Dale Watts; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

The funeral service for Mr. Morrisette will be held 2 o'clock, Friday, August 26, 2011, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the Stirling Room, beginning at 1 o'clock. The Board of Directors of First Citizens Bank are invited to serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family.