Charles (Charlie) H. McMichael III
Ocean Pines
Charles (Charlie) H. McMichael III, of Ocean Pines, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024, at the age of 74.
Charlie was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on Aug.16, 1949, to the late Alice Phillips McMichael and Charles H. McMichael Jr.
He was proud to have grown up in Wilmington, Delaware, and attended Lore Elementary School, Bayard Middle School and Wilmington High School, graduating in 1968. Many knew Charlie as a force to be reckoned with on the pitcher’s mound from Little League to his mid 40s with several no-hitters during high school and semi-pro, where he was scouted by the Philadelphia Phillies.
He was one of the first students to attend Delaware Technical and Community College in 1968 to 1970. After college, Charlie joined the U.S. Navy, completing Boot Camp in San Diego, California, and Machines Mate training in Chicago, Illinois.
He went on to serve on the USS Vogelgesang DD- 862 and the USS Manley, DD940 out of Norfolk, Virginia. During his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
Charlie wed his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, and best friend Patricia Gordon McMichael, during his time of service on Sept. 4, 1971. They continued to enjoy 52 years together, with his wonderful sense of humor keeping the laughter in their marriage, even in the hardest of times.
After completing four years in the Navy, Charlie returned to Wilmington, Delaware, where he worked as a painter for the Magnus Construction Company. Shortly after he started his own painting and restoration business, Statewide Restorations, Inc., from which he retired after 35 years in 2019.
He took pride when seeing the transformation from completing repairs and a fresh coat of paint, enjoyed the camaraderie of his employees and construction teams, and the time with the numerous customers’ homes he was welcomed into.
Charlie and Patricia moved to Ocean Pines in 2018 to begin the transition from working to retirement. Charlie felt blessed to have moved into not only a great community, but an area where the neighbors quickly became family.
It comes as no surprise to those who met Charlie that he loved the game of golf. Watching the matches on TV, attending in person, and most of all his time regularly playing on courses from Pebble Beach, California to his backyard in Ocean Pines. He enjoyed walking when he played several times a week, every month of the year. As a member of the Ocean Pines Men’s Golf Association, he met so many wonderful people and was honored to be the OPGMA membership chair for the past two years.
Charlie was a talented artistic painter. Beginning in high school and dabbling over the years until retirement when time allowed him to revisit his natural ability to masterfully create dozens of landscapes that adorned their home changing with the seasons.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Gordon McMichael; their adorable kitty-cat Cece, who was never far from his side; their children, Charles H. McMichael IV (Nattile) and Michelle M. Truban (Allen); grandchildren Mason Truban, Mackenzie Truban and Olivia Davis; sister Alice Walsh (Bill); sisters-in-law Cheri Gordon-Patterson, Gerilyn Gaskill (Howard), Theresa Davis (James) and Tara Fairchild (Scott); and brothers-in-law John Gordon (Marge), Joseph Gordon (Cheryle) and Deke Moore; and niece Debbie Cormier; along with many nephews, nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, a great-great nephew, and great-great-great nephew.
He was preceded in death by his older sisters Charlotte-Ann McMichael and Betty Johnson.
Throughout the years, Charlie would often give thanklessly to others in random acts of kindness. From surprising families with a Christmas tree/presents, to secretly buying dinners. There isn’t anyone he met who didn’t become a friend. He epitomized all of the most important qualities of a person – kindness, compassion, understanding and forgiveness. He spread so much love and laughter with his witty sense of humor. “To know him is to love him” couldn’t have fit more perfectly.
A Celebration of Life, “Charliebration,” will take place at 3 p.m., July 30, at the Golden Sands Resort, 10900 Coastal Highway, in Ocean City. Parking is off site at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church at 10301 Coastal Highway and in the surrounding neighborhood. All locations are a short walk to the resort where you will be assisted to the 22nd floor. Golf attire and bright colors are welcome.
Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Ave., in Berlin. To send condolences to the family, visit easternshorecremation.com.