Julius Porter Paterson, the third-generation owner of Rosemont Gardens, died after an extended illness Tuesday at his Woodley Road home. He was 71.

Paterson, a native of Montgomery, represented the third generation of owners of the florist company, according to his wife, Dorothy M. Paterson. The couple would have celebrated their 38th anniversary on April 13.

Rosemont Gardens was started in 1892 in downtown Montgomery by Paterson's grandparents, the late William Burns and Margaret Paterson, who were from Scotland. The company was moved to its main headquarters on Carter Hill Road in 1966. Paterson, who was known as "Duke" by family and friends, was co-owner of the floral company until his retirement in 1982, Mrs. Paterson said. The company was sold during the summer of 1984.

Rosemont Garden's history includes providing wreaths for the funeral of President Wilson and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In addition, its displays have decorated the White House many times. Orders for them were placed by Presidents Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

A graduate of the Georgia Military Academy, Paterson attended Auburn University. He was also a veteran of World War II. Paterson was a member of the Montgomery Country Club and a former member of the Kiwanis Club. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

The funeral will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Leak-Memory Chapel with the Reverends Calvin Chestnutt and A.D. Perkins III officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

In addition to his wife, Paterson is survived by a son, James Duke Paterson of Montgomery; three daughters, Judith P. Jones of Washington, D.C., Jane P. Cope, and Joan E. Paterson, both of Montgomery and six grandchildren.