In Loving Memory of Charles Robert Patterson, III
March 15, 1948 – July 12, 2025

Charles Robert Patterson, III, a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, and lifelong member of the Eastern Shore farming community, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, at his home in Chestertown, Maryland. He was 77 years old.

Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, on March 15, 1948, Charlie was the son of Charles Robert Patterson, Jr. and Marsina Patterson (Martin). He moved to Cambridge, Maryland as an infant and later to Chestertown as a young boy, where he spent the rest of his life surrounded by the fields, friendships, and family he cherished.

A 1966 graduate of Sudlersville High School, Charlie stood out as a leader and agricultural advocate from a young age. He was an active member of both 4-H and the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where he served as a Maryland state officer. During high school, he was awarded the Maryland FFA Star Farmer Award, one of the highest honors for young agriculturalists in the state. In 1967, Charlie earned first place as an individual on the National Dairy Judging Team, a recognition that reflected his dedication, knowledge, and passion for the dairy industry.

Right after high school, Charlie began building a life rooted in hard work and purpose—starting his own herd of dairy cows and founding what would become Patterson Farms, Inc, a respected and successful operation that served as a cornerstone of his family's livelihood and local agriculture. Over the decades, he poured his heart into the land, his livestock, and the business he built from the ground up, ultimately retiring in January 2025 after more than five decades of dedication to his farm.

Charlie remained deeply involved in supporting and mentoring future generations. He was a leader for the Crumpton 4-H Club and a dairy judging coach, where he shared his knowledge and passion for agriculture with countless young people across the region.

His commitment to agriculture and his community continued throughout his life. Charlie was a respected member of numerous organizations, including the Queen Anne's County 4-H All-Stars, Queen Anne's County Soil Conservation Board, Eastern Shore Holstein Club, Sudlersville High School Alumni Association, Farm Bureau, Eastern Shore Gun Club, New Freedom Church, and the Pepper Steppers Square Dance Club.

Charlie found his greatest joy in the simple but meaningful things: tending to his land, working in his garden, enjoying the woods during hunting season, and—most of all—cheering on his grandchildren at their games, performances, and milestones.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Martha Patterson (Taylor); his three children, Charlie (Sherry) of Chestertown, Cheryl Hill (Trey) of Rock Hall, and David (Laci) of Chestertown; and his beloved grandchildren, Chad, Makayla, Dylan, Mason, Taylor, Ethan, Clay, Samantha, and Aaron. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Scott.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 18th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again on Saturday, July 19th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with a funeral service to follow immediately at Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech in Galena, Maryland.

Burial will follow at Crumpton Cemetery, and friends and family are invited to a luncheon at the Sudlersville Fire House afterward to continue celebrating Charlie's life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie's memory to Queen Anne's County 4-H All-Stars, in honor of his lifelong commitment to youth and agriculture. Please make checks payable to 4-H All Stars c/o Anne Schnappinger, 930 Starr Rd., Centreville, MD 21617.

Charlie's legacy is one of strength, humility, and unwavering devotion to family, farming, and community. Though he has left this earth, his spirit will live on in the lives he touched, the values he upheld, and the stories that will be shared for generations to come.