CHARLESTON—Morey Lipton, M.D., 87, of Charleston, S.C., died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014.
Dr. Lipton was born in Charleston at Baker Hospital on Feb. 14, 1927, to Helen Stern Lipton and Samuel Halevi Lipton.
He grew up in the idyllic setting of historic Beaufort, S.C. He began Clemson University at age 16 and withdrew as soon as he was able to join the United States Navy and serve his country proudly during World War II . Following the U.S. victory over the Axis powers he returned to Clemson, from which he soon received his bachelor’s of science degree and where he then taught zoology for two years before he was accepted at the Medical University of South Carolina for medical school. Graduating from MUSC in 1954, Dr. Lipton remained at the school for a fiveyear surgical residency.
He was in private practice in Charleston for 35 years and was board certified, a surgical fellow and diplomate of the American College of Surgeons. He took particular delight in getting to know all of his patients as individuals and attending to their needs. Dr. Lipton was the first physician to serve on the board of St. Francis Hospital. He also served as the chairman for the Charleston chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Through his life, he remained interested in improving public policy, enhancing appreciation of the fine arts and educating others about the importance of supporting our nation’s friendship with the nation of Israel. As such, he was a longtime member of the Charleston Jewish Federation, serving as its chairman and president and on its community relations committee. He was also a member of the executive committee for the United Jewish Appeal. Dr. Lipton was an active member of the Charleston Jewish Community Center, serving as the program chairman for its cultural committee for 25 years and bringing many speakers and programs to Charleston. He was also a member of the Hebrew Orphan Society and the Hebrew Benevolent Society. He received many awards for his selfless devotion to various Jewish and humanitarian causes.
Dr. Lipton was vice president of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and volunteered his medical services to Spoleto Festival U.S.A. Up until the time of his death, he served as a commissioner for the Charleston Municipal Golf Course, where he played for decades. He was also an active tennis player, a voracious reader and a devoted and accomplished gardener.
Following his first trip to Israel in 1970, he became especially interested in motivating others to help the Jewish state and come to the aid of Jews under assault anywhere. In 1971, Dr. Lipton organized a march down King Street in protest of the way the former Soviet Union treated its Jewish citizens. He was a regular contributor of letters to the editor to the Charleston daily newspapers, the last of which was published this Sept. 14. For the last 14 years, he served as a faithful Middle East correspondent for the Charleston Mercury newspaper and was a tireless advisor to its editor and publisher. He was prolific, writing 315 impactful and educational columns for the Mercury and speaking to many civic groups about the Middle East and representing the paper in a variety of capacities at the request of the publisher.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 59 years, Sandra Goldberg; his brother, Joseph (Nancy) of Columbia, S.C.; daughters Rachel (Phil Wagers) and Ellen (Mark Yampolsky), all of Charleston, and son Mark of Virginia Beach, Va. Dr. Lipton is also survived by six grandchildren: Goldie Solodar (Denver, Col.); Samuel Solodar (Austin, Texas); Jana Yampolsky (Columbia, S.C.); Justin Yampolsky (Washington, D.C.); as well as Maya Lipton and Seth Lipton (Virginia Beach, Va.).
Dr. Lipton took great joy in the time he could spend individually with all of his children and grandchildren and especially enjoyed having all family nearby for Sabbath meals and the High Holy Days.
He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Alfred.
Those wishing to honor Dr. Lipton’s memory may send a memorial to the charity of their choice. His funeral service was held at Synagogue Emanu-El. Burial followed immediately at the Emanu-El Cemetery in Maryville. Memorial messages may be addressed to the family by visiting www.jhenrystuhr.com.