Dr. Michael Rolison

1952 - 2024

Dr. Michael Rolison

June 19, 1952 - April 17, 2024

Columbia, South Carolina - Dr. Michael "Mike" Alexander Rolison passed away peacefully in his Columbia home on April 17, 2024. Mike was born in Jacksonville, FL on June 19, 1952, to Alexander Lamar Rolison and Elizabeth Josephine Rolison (Brennen). Mike played football in high school and was a lifelong fan of the game. He developed a love of all things water through his father - a love that he passed along to his three sons.

After high school, he completed his undergraduate degree in psychology at The University of Florida. Upon graduation, he completed his master's degree in clinical psychology at Mississippi State and earned his doctorate at The University of South Carolina. Mike worked in local elementary schools as a school psychologist before opening a private practice in Lugoff, SC where he enjoyed the impact his work made on his patients' lives.

Mike had a deep appreciation for music, especially The Eagles, Eric Clapton, and Tom Petty. His love for music grew as he was able to teach himself acoustic guitar-a talent he shared by playing at local venues.

In later years he moved to Downtown Columbia where he enjoyed his time with longtime partner Ms. Nancy Brock. Mike and Nancy enjoyed their morning ritual of reading the local paper. He especially loved reading the "Dear Abby" column and giving his insights into each entry.

The prides of Mike's life were his three sons William, John, and Robert, whom he loved dearly with his whole heart. He immensely enjoyed taking his sons to Folly Beach, SC where he had fond memories as a young child with his own family. Mike and his sons would spend their days on the water catching sea creatures, boating, and eating local seafood. And they spent their nights at the beach searching for ghost crabs with flashlights.

He is preceded in death by his father, Alexander Lamar Rolison, and Elizabeth Josephine Rolison (Brennen).

He is survived by his three sons and their families: William Rolison (Eryn) of Gainesville, VA; John Rolison (Kristina) of Livermore, CA; and Robert Rolison (Katy) of Blythewood, SC, his two grandchildren Max Rolison and Kinsley Rolison; his partner Ms. Nancy Brock; his siblings Josephine "Jo" Rolison Smiley (Bob); Helen Rolison Jones (Edgar); Steve Rolison (Ann); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life is scheduled for April 24 at 12:00 p.m. in the Paw Paw shelter at Saluda Shoals Park (Columbia, SC).

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made in Mike's memory to USC's School of Medicine Carolina Fund.