Dr. Marion Earl Council
Laurens
Marion Earl Council, born on May 20, 1929, in Palmetto, Florida, passed away December 25, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by family and other caregivers.
He is survived and greatly missed by his loving wife of 73 years, Nadine Council; his children Chris Council, Lorrie Council (Ron Stein), and Beth Patterson (Mike Patterson); grandchildren, Hope Lorenz (Hunter), Cade Patterson (Blakely), Quin Patterson; and great-grandchildren Reuben Lorenz and Eilee Patterson. His memory also lives on with his many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father, Charles Thomas Council, mother Verter Council (known as "Little Momma"), sister Monteen Hayman, three brothers- Paul Council, Walter Council, Charlie Council, and grandson Orin Patterson.
Earl grew up learning to farm during the lean years after the depression. He was the youngest of his five siblings and remembered his sister Monteen as being like a second mother to him. It was there Earl learned dedication to family, his love for making things grow, saw the value of service to others, and developed strong faith in God as his foundation.
Earl married Nadine Morris January 4, 1952, while serving in the Air Force. After his service, he studied Electrical engineering, obtaining degrees at Univ of Florida, LSU, and OSU. From there, he became a professor at LSU, OU and LaTech. He retired from being a university professor in 2002. Later in his career, Earl worked as a consulting instructor to electrical utilities staff. His knowledge also enabled him to serve as an expert witness on electrical power accident cases. As important to him as any job, he was a man of God, devoted to living a Christian life, serving accordingly. He served every church he was a member of as a faithful deacon.
He always worked hard and strove to provide and take care of his family, extended family, students, and community. He moved with his wife and son to Laurens, SC in 2013 to be closer to family.
Though known as Dr. Council by many, Earl was known best as simply "Earl" by his loving wife, "Daddy" by his children, and "Papa Earl" by his grands. His greatest legacy is the loving role he took in his family's life, passing on his faith and devotion through quality time, teaching life skills, and wonderful stories.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Alex D. Henderson and Rev. Cade Patterson.
The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service.
A private family burial will be held before the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Piedmont Woman's Center, 1143 Grove Road, Greenville, SC 29605.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family at www.thekennedymortuary.com.
Kennedy Mortuary & Crematory
