Marion Gressette served Orangeburg County for half a century in the South Carolina General Assembly. He began his public service in the House, 1925-1928, 1931-1932, and spent the majority of his career in the Senate, 1937-1984; President Pro Tempore, 1972-1984. Nicknamed the "Gray Fox" because of his legislative cunning and slicked-back gray hair, Gressette commanded the respect of political allies and adversaries alike.