Keith S. Wellin CHARLESTON - Noted Charleston philanthropist and retired Wall Street executive Keith S. Wellin died Sunday at age 88, following a long illness, surrounded by his beloved wife Wendy, loving family and friends. Wellin was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 13, 1926 and was raised in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, he attended the Citadel and was stationed as an officer in Seoul, Korea. Following his Army service, Mr. Wellin returned to Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, where he received a degree in Philosophy and English literature, then went on to earn an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1952. During his career on Wall Street, Wellin served as president and vice chairman of E.F. Hutton, president of Reynolds Securities, and then chairman of DW Intercapital and vice chairman of Dean Witter Reynolds. He also served as chairman of Moorco International, Inc., a Houston-based energy equipment company. Always remembering those less fortunate, Keith was particularly generous to those in need. From his early days, he was a significant supporter of the Bowery Mission in New York City. In memory of his niece Ruth, who was killed in the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001, he supported a space dedicated to women in need at the Bowery. Wellin served as a life trustee of Hamilton College, where he was first elected to the board in 1969 and served as chairman of the college's Investment Committee. Together with his wife Wendy, Mr. Wellin was a significant benefactor of Hamilton, supporting special endowment projects and making transformative gifts to create spaces named in their honor for music, athletics and the sciences. In 2007, the Wellins made the single largest gift in the history of Hamilton College. Their $10 million lead gift to the arts funded the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum named in memory of his parents, which was dedicated in 2012. The Wellins' great love for Hamilton and Charleston is reflected in joint exhibitions which have since been co-curated with the Wellin and Halsey Museums. The Wellins returned to Charleston in 2005, where they quickly became engaged citizens and have been actively involved in local philanthropic efforts. In addition to supporting generously many local organizations, the Wellins have made significant gifts to the Medical University of South Carolina and to the Roper St. Francis Hospital. In recognition of their support, construction will begin in November on the Wendy and Keith Wellin Head and Neck Clinic at MUSC and plans are underway for construction of the Wellin Stroke Center at Roper St. Francis. Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Wellin home, 126 Tradd Street. In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts in Keith's memory to the Wendy and Keith Wellin Head and Neck Clinic MSC550 (135 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425) or to the Roper St. Francis Foundation/Wellin Stroke Center (125 Doughty Street, Charleston, SC 29403). A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Mrs. Keith Sears Wellin, loving wife.
Tanyeka Wright
November 5, 2019
Kind man ... helped care for him in Vero Beach and Charleston for a short period of time
September 8, 2019
While President and CEO of the Christian Herald ministries for 18 years I knew and was a friend of Keith Wellin. He will be missed by many.
Fen Loomer
August 13, 2015
I had the opportunity and priveldge to know Mr. Wellin...though my time spent with he and Wendy was somewhat brief..I could see he was a loving caring and generous man...thoughts and prayers to all the family...RIP
Rita Burns
October 6, 2014
As the director of the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art at Hamilton College, with each new exhibition we mounted and every program we launched, I looked forward to sharing our accomplishments with Keith. He was so supportive of our efforts at the museum and I knew it made him proud. It meant a lot to me that he felt that way. With his passing, I will continue to strive for the same level of quality and significance so that the museum will continue to be a place I know he would be proud of.
Tracy Adler
October 3, 2014
All of us at Bay Chamber Concerts and Music School send Wendy and the family our condolences.
October 3, 2014
Dear Wendy,
So sorry to hear your sad news.. Our love and prayers are sent.. We know the memories of your wonderful times together over the years will give you comfort.. Thinking of you...love Leelee
October 3, 2014
With great love and sympathy for the Wellin children and grandchildren
October 1, 2014
Aunt Wendy
Hugs and love to you and all during this time and forever.
God Bless and hope to see you soonest.
XXOO
Maria
September 27, 2014
Thinking of Keith's children and grandchildren who loved him very much.
September 26, 2014
Lynn and Jack Preschlack send their deep sympathy and prayers to Wendy and the Wellin's extended family on their loss. Keith was a great person who will be missed by all who knew him.
September 21, 2014
Dear Wendy,,
We were so sad to learn of the passing of Keith. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Lester Schwartz
September 15, 2014
Sorry for your loss. May the GOD of all comfort be with the family at this time.
S. Washington
September 15, 2014
Wendy, so very sorry for your loss. You should hold close the love you shared and all of the good that was done for so many others in the world! It's amazing what one life brought. My heart is with you.
Ann Durgun
September 15, 2014
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