Long-serving former State Treasurer Grady L. Patterson Jr. was celebrated Thursday as a dedicated public servant of impeccable integrity, who for more than 35 years fiercely guarded South Carolina's financial reputation.
"He would not take home a pencil to use because it was state property," said the Rev. Agnes W. Norfleet, who eulogized Patterson at Columbia's Shandon Presbyterian Church.
Patterson also was saluted as a steadfast witness of his Christian faith, whose example guided the lives of his children, grandchildren and others.
Grady Patterson's casket is brought outside Shandon Presbyterian Church as family follows after funeral services for the longtime former state treasurer, Thursday, December 10, 2009.
- Gerry Melendez/gmelendez@thestate.com
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Grady Patterson
The longtime state treasurer was buried Thursday.
Born: Jan. 13, 1924
Birthplace: Calhoun Falls, in Abbeville County
Residence: Columbia
Family: Married to Marjorie Faucett; six children and 13 grandchildren
Education: Attended Clemson University; received bachelor's and law degrees from the University of South Carolina
Political experience: Patterson was elected state treasurer after the 1966 death of four-term state Treasurer Jefferson Bates. Patterson went on to serve seven terms. He was defeated in 1994 but re-elected in 1998. He was treasurer until 2006, when he was defeated by Republican Thomas Ravenel, who subsequently resigned in a drug scandal.
Military service: Patterson was a fighter pilot in World War II, leaving active duty in 1946. He was recalled to active duty in the Korean War and during the Berlin crisis. Patterson was active in the S.C. Air National Guard for 40 years, earning the rank of lieutenant general.
"He was a treasure," said Norfleet. "Grady Patterson has shown how awe and humility before the Lord is our treasure."
Patterson, 85, who died Monday, was first elected state treasurer in 1966 and served under eight S.C. governors - four Democrats and four Republicans.
Three governors - Republicans James Edwards and Mark Sanford and Democrat Jim Hodges - attended Thursday's services, seated across the aisle from the family along with a string of other dignitaries, including state representatives and constitutional officers.
Edwards, who from 1975 to 1979 was the state's first Republican governor since Reconstruction, said Democrat Patterson told him upon taking office, "I'm here to help you any way I can over the next four years," which he did.
As the state wrestled with budget shortfalls at that time, much as it is now, Edwards said Patterson told him the state needed a "rainy day" fund to help get through tough times, then proceeded to make it happen.
"Our AAA credit rating is testament to his conservative principles," Edwards said.
Hodges, governor from 1999 to 2003, brought a little levity to the services when he told the congregation, "Grady's being called home is proof that even God needs (good) financial advice once in a while."
Hodges applauded Patterson for his devotion to maintaining a healthy state retirement system, and his role in bringing about a $1 billion public school construction bond in 1999, the first of its kind since the 1950s.
Hodges reminded listeners of a bumper sticker Patterson used that read, "Character Counts." Hodges said discipline, elegance, integrity, vision and loyalty were among Patterson's hallmarks.
"He was with you in good times," Hodges said. "He was with you in bad times."
BURIAL WITH HONORS
Patterson's flag-draped coffin was rolled into a full sanctuary that was dressed for Advent, the Christian faith's season of holy waiting and Christmas.
Led by Marjorie, his wife of 58 years, Patterson's family marched in behind his body, some of the youngest in quieted tears.
In prayer, Norfleet asked those who mourned Patterson would be upheld by God's peace.
"Give thanks that Grady's season of declining health is over," she said, adding Patterson, a World War II fighter pilot and Air National Guard member who loved to fly, was "flying now where he knew he would be."
A banner on the church wall near a lighted Christmas tree quoted from a hymn: "For all the saints who from their labor rest, Alleluia, Alleluia."
Patterson's burial in Elmwood Cemetery was with military honors as four F-16s soared over, one breaking off in a missing-man tribute to the retired lieutenant gen
COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Former state treasurer Grady Patterson was laid to rest on Thursday as he was honored for his 36 years holding the office.
The retired Air Force general died Monday at 85.
The funeral was a who's who of state politicians and dignitaries who knew Patterson through his years as the treasurer.
But politics was put aside for just one day as friends and family remember the man who dedicated so much to the state.
Former Gov. Jim Hodges had plenty to say about Patterson's work.
"I mentioned at the funeral that his motto was 'character counts.' And if there was ever someone of high quality character, it was Grady Patterson," said Hodges. "He was dependable, honest, hardworking, all of the characteristics you admire, Grady Patterson embodied those."
Not only was Patterson remembered for his civil service, he was also remembered as a family man.
Patterson's grandson, Gray, remembers his grandfather setting high expectations, and sharing love to match.
"He was a grandfather that always expected us to do our best and always had unconditional love and support for everything we did," said Gray.
Jonathan Patterson said his grandfather leaves a simple but important legacy.
"The legacy he'll leave is that we need to remember what's good, do right by people and always do what's best for everybody," said Jonathan.
The years of service as treasurer can easily be added up, but the number of lives touched by Grady Patterson is a number no one will ever know.
