Former S.C. Treasurer and retired Air Force general Grady Patterson died Monday at the age of 85.
The World War II and Korean War veteran served for two decades in the U.S. armed forces – and then for nearly four decades in the state of South Carolina’s top financial post.
After entering the Army at the start of World War II, Patterson flew combat missions in the Pacific. He also fought in the Korean War and was called to active duty during the Berlin crisis.
Patterson was Treasurer from 1967-95, a 28-year stretch, and again from 1999-07, an eight-year stint. He was defeated in 1994 by current Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom, and in 2006 by Thomas Ravenel.
“Grady leaves a great legacy of service to the people of South Carolina and the United States,” Eckstrom said. “He was a remarkable public servant who truly loved his state and his country.”
Patterson is survived by his wife, Marjorie, and six children.
On a personal note, we shared virtually no common ideological ground with Patterson, but we developed a tremendous amount of respect for him based on the way he handled the downfall of Ravenel, who was indicted on drug charges shortly after becoming Treasurer in 2007.
While Democratic Party Chairwoman Carol Fowler and others threw partisan jabs, Patterson remained a true statesman.
By Freddie Guy December 7, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Truly a class act! SC needs more statesmen like Grady Patterson.
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' December 7, 2009 at 4:52 pm
SC needs a political blog run by someone with Patterson’s class.
By Frequent Flyer December 7, 2009 at 7:47 pm
A great South Carolinian! One of the few times I crossed the party line at the ballot box. Who could vote against a guy who stormed the beaches of Normandy!
By Todd December 7, 2009 at 7:49 pm
NSJS: I agree – but in this day and age, it’s not going to happen. Being a gentleman and being civil and nice in business has all but ruined me in business. The governor is, well you know. The South Carolina Supreme Court is corrupt to it’s very core and so subject to political connections it will be the next national black eye we receive. Thank goodness we have all that character, honesty and integrity in the Legislature.
By Toyota Kawaski December 8, 2009 at 8:50 am
He was a fine man who served SC well
By justsayin' December 8, 2009 at 9:50 am
B&CB Takes it’s cut! Government in Action
To: Agency Directors and Finance Directors
Date: December 7, 2009
Subject: Central Administrative Costs Related to ARRA Awards
This memo is to provide you with information regarding the Task Force’s plan to use a portion of Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds (ARRA) allocated to the State for central oversight activities required by the ARRA and state law pertaining to reporting, auditing and website transparency. These State functions will cost an estimated $1.4 million over the implementation period of the ARRA funding. We believe this to be the maximum amount necessary, and will need to recover the funds from eligible programs over the first two years of ARRA.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued memorandums M-09-18 on May 11, 2009, and M-10-33 on October 13, 2009, regarding payments to State grantees for administrative costs of Recovery Act funding. These memos provide general guidance to States for recouping administrative costs associated with ARRA related oversight, reporting, and auditing not to exceed 0.5 % of total ARRA funds received by the State.
A portion of the funds available from the 0.5 % will be used to support the functions of the South Carolina Stimulus Oversight, Accountability and Coordination Task Force’s role in oversight, reporting, and to fund audit requirements.
Therefore, agencies are directed to set-aside 0.5 % of the total ARRA funds received or anticipated to be received. These funds will be held in reserve for administrative cost reimbursement for oversight, reporting, and auditing activities. Actual amounts billed to your agency’s ARRA awards will be determined at a later date based on the total amount of the ARRA funds awarded to the State subject to the 0.5%.
Please note the only exception to the 0.5% set-aside of ARRA awards to be received by your agency are:
• Amounts appropriated in the State’s Budget Stabilization Fund (Part III of the 2009-10 Appropriations Act) are excluded from the 0.5 % set-aside requirement.
• Exceptions may apply to certain ARRA awards which restrict or prohibit central administrative cost recovery. In order to exclude any of your agency’s awards from the 0.5% set-aside, you must provide written documentation from the federal agency awarding the grant stating that funds granted for the specific program are not subject to the 0.5% central administration withholding.
Additional instructions and the mechanics of setting aside the 0.5% from ARRA awards will be provided in the near future. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact Philip Willis at (803) 734-1268, or pcwillis@ogc.sc.gov. Please provide written confirmation via e-mail to Mr. Willis that your agency has set-aside the requisite funds or documentation for an exception by December 19, 2009.
Thank you for your assistance
By SnakeMD December 8, 2009 at 7:51 pm
A gentleman, a statesman, a family man, and integrity, to boot. What more could you ask for? He leaves behind an excellent legacy. SC should be proud. Thank you Mr. Patterson!