Charles Montgomery Patterson, or Papa Charlie, lived a life of adventure. He never met a stranger, always had a hobby project in the shop, and told remarkable stories that were shared with enthusiasm and joy. His passions included building, bicycling, painting, wine making, the Rotary Club, and travel.
Charlie was born on September 30, 1935, in Norris, TN. He was delivered at home by his father, Howard and mother, Elizabeth. After quick stops in Washington DC and New York City, the family settled in Decatur, GA to a farm which is now at the intersection of I-285 and Lawrenceville Highway. His dad owned an electrical engineering consulting firm that carried him around the Southeast during the time of rural electrification, His mother, the true farmer in the family, managed the household. As a boy, Charlie built the chicken coop from concrete block and mortar, raised chickens, sold eggs, plowed the field with an old WWII jeep and milked a stubborn cow. He and his brother routinely hitchhiked to their relatives in Kentucky. Together, they built such things as a competitive soap box derby and learned to fly their dad’s airplane off a 1200’ runway located behind the house.
Charlie graduated from Decatur High School. He then attended GA Tech for the fall quarter while living at home and commuting to the campus. It did not take long to decide that the Army might be a little better choice than college. The Army sent (as most of us know) Charlie to --- Korea. After the Army, Charlie joined his brother Jim at Auburn University. They were both members of the ATO fraternity. He earned a degree in Industrial Design, and taught classes in the school of art while completing a second degree in Business.
Charlie married his wife, Anne Black, in 1960. They lived for a short time in Auburn, then moved to Decatur, Georgia. He owned a small general construction company. The CM Patterson Construction Company started building gas service stations along with the new interstate system. Later, the company evolved into one specializing in office and industrial building construction. He retired from his business in 1984 and moved to Stone Mountain, GA. Charlie and Anne lived in a house of his own construction. The shop portion of the house was two floors and a good bit larger than the residence. The shop produced fine bicycles, wine from his backyard vineyard, furniture for the house, two beautiful airplanes, and more than a few pieces of art. Anne and Charlie were married for 62 years before Anne’s death in July of 2021.
Charlie was an active member of the Southern Bicycle League, the Northlake Rotary Club, and the Gwinnett Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Black and his brother, Jim. He is survived by his brother Howard, sister Jane, son Chip and his wife Dawn, their children Mac (Ellen), Miles (Emma), William (Jess) and Laine, and his daughter Lee Anne. He had two great grandchildren. Louise, the daughter of Miles and Emma, and his namesake, Charlie, the son of Mac and Ellen.
A graveside service will be held Saturday February 7th at 2:00 pm at Arlington Memorial Park located in Sandy Springs, Georgia
Following the service, there will be a reception at the home of Robert and Meri Miller.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank at netfoodbank.org
