Captain Dale "Pat" Paterson, 76, died Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at his Woodside residence after battling an extended illness. He was born in Tuscaloosa, AL, raised in NJ and lived for 27 years in San Diego, CA prior to moving to Aiken in 2003. He was the only child of David Wilson Paterson and Ottie Mae Roycroft Paterson. Captain Paterson was an active duty Naval Aviator with over one hundred landings on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger CV-61, earning him the distinction of "Centurion". In 1975 he retired from the Naval Reserve with the rank of Captain. In addition, he flew for United Airlines for 32 years flying both domestic and international routes prior to his retirement as a Senior Captain in 1992. Funeral services with full military honors will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL at a later date. Captain Paterson is survived by his wife, Marion Evans Paterson, six children and four grandchildren. George Funeral Home & Cremation Center is assisting the family. Memorial donations may be directed to the Aiken County SPCA, 401 Wire Rd., Aiken SC 29801.