S.C. responds to Patterson's death
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend, Grady Patterson. He was a war hero, a statesman, and always a Southern gentleman. You could always count on Grady to be true to his word and to do what he thought was right for the people of South Carolina. The leadership he demonstrated and the great example he set will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Marjorie and the entire Patterson family.” -- U.S. House Majority Whip James Clyburn
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"Grady Patterson served his nation nobly in two wars, and served his state as a public servant of the first order for more than four decades. It strikes me as significant that his passing comes on the same day we remember the sacrifice and service of so many of his fellow servicemen in World War II at Pearl Harbor. His commitment and willingness to serve both overseas and in state government should be an example for us all, and for that and the fact that he'll be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched, I'd offer our state's thoughts and prayers to the Patterson family." -- Gov. Mark Sanford
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“Grady Patterson truly embodied the idea of service above self. Through both his military service and his many years serving the state of South Carolina, he will be remembered as a statesman who always put South Carolina and our country first. I join many other South Carolinians in offering thoughts and prayers to the Patterson family through this difficult time,” -- Karen Floyd, chairwoman of the S.C. Republican Party
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“From his years as a military aviator to his three and a half decades as State Treasurer, Grady was the very embodiment of public service. He loved our country, he loved our state, and he dedicated his life to protecting and preserving both.” -- Jim Rex, S.C. Superintendent of Education
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“South Carolina has lost a true public servant. Grady dedicated his life to serving our country and our state. In addition to being a loving father and grandfather, Grady will be remembered as good steward of our tax dollars. During his terms as Treasurer, Grady’s common sense approach to managing the state’s finances kept South Carolina on the right financial track and his wise counsel was valuable as state leaders crafted policy. Grady was one of a kind and he will be missed.” -- Sen. John Land, D-Clarendon
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“Grady Patterson was a devoted public servant and dear friend of our state. Today, on the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, it’s fitting that we pay special tribute to Grady Patterson. His heroic World War II service in the Pacific Theatre helped preserve our very way of life. Peggy and I are saddened by the news of Grady Patterson’s death and extend our sympathy to his family and many friends.” -- S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster ------------------
“Grady Patterson was a good friend to me and to the people of South Carolina. All of us who have had the pleasure of getting to know Grady over the rich history of his life will truly miss him. He selflessly served our country during a time of war, guided our state through his public service and devoted himself fully to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Patterson family as we remember and honor the memory of this great South Carolinian.” -- S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston
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"South Carolina Democrats are saddened by the death of former State Treasurer Grady Patterson. Mr. Patterson's unquestioned integrity and his complete devotion to our state and nation made him an example for every elected official to follow. He had strong beliefs about government and politics, and he never wavered from his support for the Democratic Party's principles even when it might have been personally expedient for him to do so," -- Carol Fowler, chairwoman of the S.C. Democratic Party
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“South Carolina today mourns the loss of a distinguished member of our community who dedicated his life to serving our state and our country. Major General Patterson’s contributions to our state as Assistant Attorney General and as South Carolina’s State Treasurer are still seen today. His selfless and brave service to our country in the Army Air Corps in WWII, the Korean War, and the Berlin Conflict, will not be forgotten. … My thoughts are prayers are with his remarkable family at this time.” -- U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Lexington
This story was originally published December 8, 2009 at 12:00 AM with the headline "S.C. responds to Patterson's death."