Former State Treasurer Grady Patterson (right) walks with then-Governor Jim Hodges outside the Statehouse in 2001.
/ Courtesy State of S.C.
Former South Carolina State Treasurer Grady Patterson has died, according to a statement by the treasurer's office. Patterson was 85.
Longtime spokesman Trav Robertson confimed Patterson's death Monday.
In a written statement, current State Treasurer Converse said, "We are saddened to learn of Mr. Patterson's passing. He was a man who gave so much to his state and country. As a U.S. Army fighter pilot, he fought for freedom. He was a part of our country's ‘Greatest Generation' and our nation is better because of Mr. Patterson's service."
Patterson served as state treasurer for more than 30 years. He was also a World War II Army fighter pilot who flew combat missions from Iwo Jima and in the Air Force during the Korean War. He retired from the Air Force as a General Officer.
Patterson was first elected treasurer in 1966. He lost a 1994 re-election bid but won back the seat in 1998. Patterson retired from politics after losing a re-election bid to Republican Thomas Ravenel in 2006.
Patterson is survived by his wife Marjorie, and six children.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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