Charles Partridge

Charles was born on October 1, 1931 to John Morton Partridge and Pearl Cater in York, Alabama. With his brother and two sisters, Charles enjoyed farm life but also had ambitions to see the world. At fifteen, he began driving the school bus each day. He once hitchhiked to Marshall, TX, just to step foot in a new state.

He studied law at the University of Alabama and supported himself as night watchman at the Moon Winx Lodge and as founding principal of the River Hill Detective Agency. When conflict broke out in Korea, he began taking ROTC classes and graduated in 1954. He was awarded his commission and decided to remain in the Army “as long as it was fun.” He retired 30 years later as a Colonel.

During his distinguished career, Charles commanded an artillery battalion in the 3rd Armored Division, Germany; was Chief of Staff of the 2nd Infantry Division Support Command, Korea; and Chief of Staff of the Army’s Intelligence and Security Command, Arlington, Virginia. He also earned a Master’s in Public Administration at Penn State while also studying at the Army War College in Carlisle. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal, among other decorations and foreign citations.

In Vietnam, Charles served as an infantry advisor in the Mekong Delta but found time to send scores of letters to Nancy Jane Knox, whom he’d just begun dating while he was an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Davidson College. Their marriage of 46 years began in 1968. They lived in a small home in Washington, DC, to which they would occasionally return between assignments, before settling in Chantilly, VA. Their marriage was a model of joy and devotion, and they soon added two children to their loving embrace.

Upon retirement in 1984, Charles found the one job that he might have enjoyed more than the Army. As Legislative Counsel for the National Association for Uniformed Services, he lobbied Congress on behalf of military personnel, veterans and their families, thereby continuing his steadfast service to the nation. When, after almost twenty years, he retired a second time, he delighted in his five grandchildren. He also became a remarkable caregiver and advocate for Nancy after her first stroke, which ensured that they shared three more years of love and adventure together before her death in 2014.

While widowed Charles continued to draw on his deep and lifelong faith, still serving in a variety of leadership roles at Fairfax Presbyterian Church. In time he met Carol Sue Roycroft whose faith, generosity, and kindness matched his. An unexpected relationship developed into a deep connection. They were wed in 2019 overlooking the Shallotte River. They shared memories of their previous marriages—which each considered the love of their life—and of raising children and grandchildren. Together they welcomed three great-grandsons between the two families that they had joined by their love.

Charles is survived by his wife, Carol, his sister, Ann Partridge Clark of Fort Payne, AL, his sister-in-law, June Rogers Knox, of Wilmington, NC, his son, John Partridge of Norton, MA and his daughter, Jane (Rob) Kaftan, of Sandusky, OH; grandchildren Hannah and James Partridge; George (Taylor), Emma, and Charlie Kaftan; and a great grandson, Bobby Kaftan. He is also survived by his special step-daughter Nancy (Terry) White of Pittsboro, NC; step-grandsons, Josh and Nicho Stevens; and several more step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as nieces Kendal, Alicia, Sue, Allison, Susie, and Nancy Jo, and nephew Joe.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to the Shallotte Presbyterian Church or to HillVets, an organization for military veterans seeking opportunities for public service. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers who supported Charles during the last two years, particularly Brittany and Monica.

There will be a memorial service at Shallotte Presbyterian Church at on February 14, 2026 at eleven o'clock in the morning and an interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later time.

Online condolences may be made at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel