Robin Eric Morse
CLINTON - Robin Eric Morse, age 71, of Clinton, and husband of Barbara Byars Morse for 38 years, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
Born in Clinton, Robin is the son of the late Tilman “Putt” Morse and Ruby Hawkins Morse. After graduating from Clinton High School, he joined the Clinton Army National Guard and served for six years. He received an associate’s degree in criminal justice (Piedmont Tech), a bachelor’s degree in human resource management (Southern Wesleyan University), and he graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. He has served the communities of both Clinton and Laurens for 44 years as a member of the Laurens County Sheriff Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Chief of the Laurens City Police Department, and Director of Clinton Department of Public Safety. In addition to this service, he also taught criminal justice classes at Piedmont Technical College.
Robin has been a member and served on many boards and committees throughout the local community and the state of South Carolina, including the SC Police Chief’s Association (President in 2008 and Secretary-Treasurer for seven years) and was appointed by the Governor to be a member of the Law Enforcement Training Council for the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy in 2014. In July of 2011, he was awarded the Purple Heart 36 years after being shot in the line of duty.
After his full-time career in public service ended in September 2018, he remained active helping those in his community by serving as a Laurens County Deputy Coroner, a first responder for the Joanna and Mountville Fire Departments, and working part-time with Laurens County School District 56, and Firmin Ford.
Robin was a devoted member of Joanna First Baptist Church where he was chairman of the Deacons, taught the Murphy Sunday School Class, chairman of the Safety Team and member of the Maintenance Committee. He was Vice-President of Byars Machine Company. He was also a member of the Cross Hill Masonic Lodge 159.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Merial Roberts (Brandon) of Laurens, Alyssa Longshore (R.D.) of Chapin, Jessica Sullivan (James) of Gilbert, and Eric Morse (Brooke) of Clinton; grandchildren, Braelyn, Trace, and Hannah; brother, Jim Morse of Clinton; and sister-in-law, Susan Byars of Laurens. Also, he has cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a brother, Mark Morse.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 12, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Laurens conducted by Rev. Kenny Moore and Rev. Austin Williams. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn East Cemetery with full Police and Firefighter Honors and Masonic Rites.
The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Laurens from 1:00 – 4:00 PM on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
The family would like to express their appreciation to everyone that showed their care and concern to them as they traveled this difficult journey. The support from everyone speaks volumes. Robin was special to everyone that knew him. He loved the Lord, his family and his career.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.thekennedymortuary.com.
The Kennedy Mortuary & Crematory
