Dr. M. Tucker Laffitte, Jr.

Dr. Moses Tucker Laffitte, Jr., age 93, passed away on April 21, 2023. Following a private burial, a memorial service celebrating his life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, S.C., Thursday, April 27, at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation following the service in Jackson Hall at First Presbyterian Church. Dr. Laffitte was born January 14, 1930, in Estill S.C., a son of the late Moses Tucker and Elizabeth Lucius Laffitte. He attended Estill public schools, The Citadel, University of South Carolina, and Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C., now MUSC. After graduating from medical school, he served as a general medical officer at Fort Jackson where he developed an interest in obstetrics. Subsequently, Tucker entered medical residency in OBGYN in Charleston, S.C. In 1961, after completing his residency, he joined Dr. Heyward H. Fouche in private practice in Columbia, S.C. Over the following decades, the partnership grew into what is now known as South Carolina OBGYN. During the 40 years of his practice, Tucker delivered thousands of babies in the Midlands and provided medical care to countless more. In addition to the practice of medicine, he served as the chairman of the Richland Memorial Hospital Board. He was a member of the J. Marion Sims Obstetrical Society. He also served on the boards of Bankers Trust, now Bank of America, and the Palmetto State Bank. For over 60 years, Tucker was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, where he served as a deacon and an elder. He served on the church’s long-range planning committee and the Laurel Crest Board. He was elected as Elder Emeritus in 2012. Tucker was a family man. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, affectionately known as “Bubba.” He led his family in morning devotions at the breakfast table and continued this practice throughout his life. Tucker treasured the Thursday Morning Men's Bible study, and for many years he hosted these gatherings in his home. Tucker was a gentleman. He loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family, and golfing with his closest friends. He loved honesty, respected integrity, valued hard work, taught by example, and shared grace and joy in life. He was married for 47 years to the late Nell Lightsey Laffitte. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Emma Jenkins McElveen Laffitte; his children: Elizabeth Laffitte McMaster (Will), Dr. Moses Tucker Laffitte III (Helen), Norris Lightsey Laffitte (Mary), and Lalla Lee Laffitte Campsen (Chip); his grandchildren: Dr. William Gourdin McMaster, Jr. (Emily), Dargan McMaster Rain (Rob), George Hunter McMaster II, Dr. Moses Tucker Laffitte IV (Caroline), Helen Laffitte Hill (Daniel), Lightsey Laffitte Jett (Kevin), Norris Lightsey Laffitte II (Rachel), Mary Loyal Laffitte Springs (Lash), Elizabeth Lucius Laffitte Willmann (Brendan), George Earle Campsen IV, and Boyce Lightsey Campsen; his great grandchildren: Sara Dargan, Will, and Hunter McMaster; Elizabeth Laffitte, Anne, Robert, and Nell Lightsey Rain; Louisa, Moses Tucker V, Brantley, and Charlotte Laffitte; Fallon Hill; Harvey, Grady, and Jake Jett; Nell and Norris Lightsey Laffitte III; Margaret Edens, Elizabeth, and Kate Springs; Harper Jane and Betsy Willmann. Dr. Laffitte is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Mrs. H. Lucius Laffitte (Ann) and Mrs. C. Ronald Payne (Margaret), as well as many beloved relatives. Tucker was predeceased by his siblings, Charles A. Laffitte, Mrs. Samuel L. Allen II (“Sue”), Mrs. F. Augustus S. Anderson (“Pidge”), Lucille Laffitte (“Lu”), Mrs. Horace M. Dalton (Lalla Lee), Dr. H. Lucius “Luke” Laffitte, and R. Montague “Monk” Laffitte. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church for Trinity Church in Aberdeen, Scotland, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Tributes

Dr. M. Tucker Laffitte, Jr.

January 14, 1930 - April 21, 2023