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Grady Patterson Obituary
A World War II and Korean War fighter pilot, Patterson earned a law degree and took a job with the state attorney general after leaving the military. Not much later he was elected state treasurer for the first time in 1966.
Patterson, Democrat, served 36 years as treasurer. He lost the office in 1994 but won it back four years later.
A quiet man, Patterson was lauded for his expertise in banking, bonds and tax issues -- testifying before Congress on the benefits of tax-free municipal bonds.
Patterson said the most difficult decision of his political career was opposing investments in South Africa’s segregationist government.
Patterson was married to his wife, Marjorie, for nearly 60 years. The couple had six children and 13 grandchildren together.
Funeral services are being handled by Dunbar Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday December 9th at Shandon Presbyterian Church at 7pm. The funeral will be on Thursday, December 10th at Shandon Presbyterian Church followed by burial in Elmwood Cemetery with full military honors.
Memories and Condolences
for Grady Patterson
47 Entries
April 2, 2014
Coming back to SC after 6 yrs away, and disheartened to read the news of LtGen Patterson. I had the pleasure of taking care of this fine gentleman, for 10 years when he came to Shaw for his exams. He was truly a wonderful man, that spoke only of love for his wife, children, and the love of this Country. I am blessed to have known him, and may he continue to rest in peace.
Cedric Spain
December 23, 2009
Dear Patterson Family,
We appreciate the life well lived and service The Honorable Grady Patterson rendered to South Carolina and the nation. May you find strength and comfort in knowing we too share your grief and pray for your strength.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Cedric D. Spain, State EC
Horry County Democratic Party
Glenn King
December 16, 2009
Sheath your sword and rest at ease, General. You have fought the good fight. Now we, who were honored to have served with you, will guard your memories and your reputation. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
December 15, 2009
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Patterson one day as my wife and I were shopping in Lourie's on Main Street. I was very impressed with both Mr. Patterson and his very dignified and pleasant wife. Both were "downhome" folks who conversed with us just as pleasantly as if they had known us for a long time. What a pleasure it was for us to meet such a wonderful man who accomplished so much during his lifetime!
Sterling Anderson
December 11, 2009
Grady Patterson was another member of the "greatest generation" who will be missed by all of us in South Carolna and the Nation as well. He was a true partiot and in spite of all his honors and high positions he never forgot where he came from and was a proud South Carolinian. I am proud to have been blessed with his friendship! May God bless the family. My family and I send our thoughts and prayers! W.Sterling Anderson
Julie Rippetoe- Lark
December 11, 2009
A lot of friends(from Pickens, SC) and South Carolinians have lost a great patriot- We will be in touch with his family soon- Julie Rippetoe Lark
John Henry
December 11, 2009
A true Statesman and South Carolinian. As a retired State Employee,I thank Grady for his leadership in keeping the retirement system stable. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Know that he is with God.
Les Carroll
December 11, 2009
General Grady Patterson will be missed by South Carolina. He was a great leader and a warm and kind man. I interviewed him for the South Carolina Air National Guard documentary and it was most enjoyable, to hear him recollect with such passion and clarity the early days of the SCANG. My thoughts and prayers are with the Patterson family during this holiday season.
Marilyn Hemingway
December 11, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Patterson family during this time. Grady Patterson was always a gracious gentleman during the occasions we had to meet and chat.
December 11, 2009
Thanks to Mr. Patterson for a sound and stable state retirement fund. As a retired state employee, I can enjoy a bright and secure retirement. The people of this state and our leaders should name a major building in his honour.
Anonymous from Newberry county
Mike Evatt
December 11, 2009
Great friend to the people of our South Carolina. Will be missed in the Democratic Party and by all who knew him. Godsped.
mike cadle
December 11, 2009
May GOD bless and help you through this holiday sesson with your loss...
December 10, 2009
Dear Margie, Our condolences to you and your family. Grady's life was most impressive. You have been a loving and loyal companion and you will be in our prayers.
With love, Sig and Charlie
Bill Power
December 10, 2009
Marjorie & family...those of us blessed to serve with and under General Patterson in the SCANG will never forget his genuine goodness--his sharp intellect--his quick wit--and his strong moral character that guided every decision he made--every order he gave. We knew down all those years--and want you to know in the years to come--that it was Grady Patterson's faith that defined him. And now...it has saved him. And all who have that faith are never parted from him!
December 10, 2009
Margie, Rosa Cherry called me with the news of Grady,s death. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family during this time of great sadness. We so enjoyed being with you during the SCBankers Conventions for lots of years. Having lost my husband, Clarence, 4 years ago, I can really empathize with you now. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family--Love, Virginia Anne(Hudson) McIntosh
December 10, 2009
Deepest sympthay to the family. Mr. Patterson was a good person to work with at the Treasurer's Office. He had an impact on my children who remember him as a friendly and pleasant man when they visited the Treasurer's Office. My prayers are with the family. Pansy Raley Banks, Winnsboro, S.C.
Chuck & Cindy Davis
December 10, 2009
We will surely miss Grady. He was always a very special person. We have a lot of fond memories of the many things he did. I remember his humor and personality at church. It has been a privilage to know him and his family.
Eugne and Mary Lou Powell
December 10, 2009
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Grady was a true patriot and one of the most outstanding State leaders in our lifetimes. May God's grace be with your this day.
Ingrid Cannon
December 10, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Patterson family. I didn't work for him in the Treasurer's Office, but I worked in the Wade Hampton Building for many years. Mr. Patterson was always a gentleman and even if he didn't know your name, he always was very polite and it seemed like he always knew that you belonged there in the building. I think he was one of the last great southern gentlemen who gave his all for the citizens of South Carolina.
Richard Conant
December 10, 2009
Margie, we really missed seeing you and Grady in the last several years, both at our parties and at public events. In intended to call and see how you both were doing and didn't get to it. For that I am very sorry. Grady was a great man and you a great lady!
December 10, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Patterson family in this time
of sorrow. With deepest sympathy, Bill and Gail Marshall, Spartanburg, S.C.
Belinda Yonce
December 9, 2009
My prayers go out to the Patterson family and may God be with each and everyone of you.
Parker & Jane Evatt
December 9, 2009
Margie & Family:
We offer our sincere sympathy in the death of a special public servant and friend. Grady was loved my all who had the privilege of working with him. State employees never had a more loyal friend.
You are in our thougths and prayers.
Being out of state, we regret that we will not be able to be with you at the service tomorrow.
December 9, 2009
We were so fortunate to have had Grady hire our son Trav as he became involved in political life. In more ways than he ever realized, Grady showed Trav that service and caring for people are the real reasons for public service. We are so thankful for him and for you, Mrs.Patterson.
Gladys and Norman Robertson, Anderson, South Carolina
December 9, 2009
Steve & family:
Our deepest sympathies.
Julius & Carmen Earle
Margo West
December 9, 2009
I had the privilege to work with Mr. Patterson at the State Treasurer's Office right after I finished high school. I was only 18, but I was always impressed that he always remembered my name (as well as all my fellow employees), and would stop and chat with us. As the years went by, I realized that not many bosses of his stature take the time to connect with employees; I was truly blessed and have never forgotten his kindness. He was definitely a one of a kind gentleman and a true servant to our state and country.
Cindy Shirey
December 9, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mr. Patterson was a caring person and will be truly missed.
December 9, 2009
My prayers are with the Patterson family at this time. As one Airmen to another I wish to thank Lt. General Patterson for his service to this great state and nation.
Freida Milne
December 9, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your family meant so much to Lud and me through the years, He will be greatly missed.
Anne Walker
December 9, 2009
John & Laura: You know how much I thought of Grady. He was always such a class act and an incredible servant to S.C. We will all miss him. Please know that all of you are in my prayers. Much love--Anne Walker
John Winders
December 9, 2009
I'll always kindly remember our good neighbor Grady Patterson. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
-John Winders
Donna Bundrick Griffin
December 8, 2009
Mr. Patterson was indeed a Gentleman of the highest degree! He had a loyalty to his State and to the tax paying citizens of SC. He will be missed by the people who had the opportunity to know and to work with him. I am honored to say that I am one of the lucky South Carolinians who knew him! Rest in peace Sir and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Donna Bundrick Griffin, Lexington, SC
Schell Carson
December 8, 2009
Thank you for your dedication to God, Family, Nation and State.
December 8, 2009
I knew Major General Patterson for many years as a member of the South Carolina Air National Guard and considered it an honor to have served under his leadership. Grace and I wish to be among those who are offering sincere sympathy and comfort at this time. Gen Patterson was an outstanding statesman, patriot, and gentlemen who served his state and country in a superb manner. He will be missed by all his friends and associates. The state of South Carolina has lost a true servant of the people. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Patterson Family.
CMSGT (Ret) Doug and Grace Lovette
Lexington, S.C.
BG Henry I Siegling , Commander
December 8, 2009
The men of the Washington Light Infantry Battalion, Charleston, extend our deepest condolenses to the family. General Patterson was a noble South Carolinian, outstanding American, and a true Southern Gentleman.
William "Billy" Avant
December 8, 2009
I knew Gen. Patterson very well as I served on the Army side of the SC National Guard. A true patroit who served his country well. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. William "Billy" Avant
Conway, SC
December 8, 2009
The staff of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Piedmont Division extends our deepest sympathy to the Patterson family.
Missy Coker
December 8, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr."P" was truly a gentleman. GFOASC has lost a great friend and leader and he will be truly missed. Mr."P" was unique politician, he was honest and a man of his word. Much love to you Mrs. Marjorie.
December 8, 2009
Uncle Leck will be missed. My prayers go out to Aunt Margie and the rest of the family. I am unable to be with you at this time but my thoughts are certainly with you. Ann Tate McGehee Dickinson
Bill & Susan Kelbaugh
December 8, 2009
The family is in our thoughts and prayers. Slow Hand Salute for the General.
Ted Hite
December 8, 2009
My dad served under Mr. Patterson in the SC Air National Guard. Mr. Patterson has always been highly respected in my family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marsha Perry
December 8, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Ann Tucker-Patterson
December 8, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Patterson family. He will be greatly missed.
James Whitaker
December 8, 2009
I had the pleasure of serving in SC Air National Guard under this great man. My condolences to the family.
Adam Bourne
December 7, 2009
Grady Patterson was a humble and devoted public servant. He will be missed. My prayers are with the Patterson family.
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