COULTER, Edwin Martin Coulter

        Dr. Edwin Martin Coulter died Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006, at his home in Santee. A graveside service will be held Thursday, Sept. 28th, at 4 p.m. at the Old Stone Church in Clemson. The Rev. Richard Elliott, a longtime friend and Episcopal priest at St. Andrews By The Sound in Wilmington, NC, will be the officiant. A reception for family and friends will follow the service at the Ramada Inn in Clemson. Memorial contributions may be donated to: The Edwin M. Coulter æ62 Award in Political Science, c/o Furman University Donor Relations Office, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613.
        Dr. Coulter was born July 18, 1937, in Waynesboro, NC, to Eileen Rader and Homer Preston Coulter. He graduated from Newton, NC, public schools where he was president of the band. He earned his Eagle Scout award at age 14 and the Pro Deo Et Patria Award in 1953. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served three years. He attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class, as the electronics technician aboard the minesweeper USS Observer.
        In 1962, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Furman University where he had been active in the Furman Band, the Furman Singers, and the International Relations Club. He was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to study at the University of Virginia, where he was honored by being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and the Raven Society for scholarship and service. He was awarded a Ph.D. in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia in 1965.
        He became Associate Professor at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR, and in 1968 he was appointed Dean at Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts in Chickasha, Oklahoma. In 1971 he came to Clemson University, where he served as professor of Political Science for 21 years. During his career, Dr. Coulter had been recognized on many occasions for his contributions in the field of government and political science, and to the institutions where he taught. Upon his retirement, Clemson University bestowed on him the title of Professor Emeritus of Political Science. Dr. Coulter is the author of Principles of Politics and Government, (sixth edition) which is used widely in colleges and universities around the world.
        Throughout his academic career, Dr. Coulter devoted his life and committed his talents to thousands of students, inspiring many of them to attain positions of influence in government, law and other distinguished professions. In June of 1992 the South Carolina House of Representatives passed Resolution #4913 to commend Dr. Coulter for his dedicated service. In retirement Dr. Coulter spent the last 12 years in Santee, where he had served as President of the Swamp Fox Boat Club and Chapel Branch II Homeowners Association.
        He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Nancy DeFore Coulter and his children: John Edwin Coulter (Robynn), Seattle, WA; David Preston Coulter (Lauren) and their children, Aaron Jefferson and Natalie Grace, Woodland Hills, CA; Kimberly Mattison and her husband, Alex Klapat, Baltimore, MD. He is also survived by his mother, Eileen Coulter, Demorest, GA; two brothers, H.P. ôDickö Coulter (Ruth) Poughkeepsie, NY; Jerry L. Coulter (Phyllis), Harrisonburg, VA; and sister Sandra Buckley (Dave), Cornelia, GA; four nephews, four nieces and many beloved relatives. Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central-Clemson Commons, is assisting the family with the arrangements.