Charles B. “Charlie” Stevenson, III, passed away peacefully at the age of 88, surrounded by his family. Stevenson served as a volunteer officer with the Milford Police Department, a lifelong member of Georgetown Fire Company and a member of Carlisle Fire Company.
“Carlisle Fire Co., Station 42 is saddened to announce the passing of member Charles Stevenson, a devoted public servant of the Delaware State Fire Service and Delaware State Fire Marshall until his retirement,” the fire company posted on social media after his passing. “Please keep the Stevenson Family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of mourning.”
Milford Police Department also offered their condolences.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of one of our original Volunteer Senior Patrol Members, Charles Stevenson. Charlie joined our Volunteer Senior Patrol after his retirement from the Delaware Fire Marshal’s Office,” a social media post read. “Charlie was a public servant through and through with not only serving with our agency but was also a lifetime member the Georgetown Fire Company and lifelong member of the Carlisle Fire Company. Charlie was a great guy and will be missed tremendously.”
Stevenson was born at home in Georgetown, the son of the late Charles B. Stevenson, Jr. and Myrtle Willey Stevenson in May 1937. He graduated from Georgetown High School in 1955 and enlisted in the United States Navy soon after. He was honorably discharged in 1959 and remained a proud sailor his entire life, maintaining strong relationship with his shipmates.
After leaving the Navy, Stevenson worked at the DuPont Plant in Seaford, retiring in 1971. He then accepted a position with the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office where he was known for his distinguished personality, strong work ethic and his desire to always strive for more. While working at the fire marshal’s office, Stevenson earned his associate’s degree in criminal justice. Serving 28 years in that office, Stevenson again retired as Chief Deputy Fire Marshal for Kent and Sussex Counties.
Not one to sit still, Stevenson worked part-time for Hertrich Ford after leaving the fire marshal. In 1979 and lasting for the next 44 years, Stevenson was also employed as a seasonal employee at Dover Motor Speedway, forming many lasting relationships and known for his expertise and guidance with new projects or enjoying an age-old NASCAR race.
A past president of Georgetown Fire Company, Stevenson was awarded 61 years of service in April 2025.
Although it would seem he did not have much of it, Stevenson and his wife of 34 years,
Sally, enjoyed their small piece of paradise in Lakeland, Florida. He will be remembered for his love of strawberry shortcake, fried pickles and a warm cup of coffee while looking out over peaceful waters. Stevenson enjoyed cruises and one of his favorites was between Key West and Yellowstone National Park.
A proud family man, Stevenson never missed a birthday phone call or celebration. He could tell you all the birthdays in his family and their biggest accomplishments. Stevenson was extremely proud of his flower gardens, enjoying every bloom.
In addition to his wife, Sally, Stevenson is survived by his sons, Charles B. Stevenson, IV, and his wife, Tina and Jeffrey Stevenson; Sally’s daughter Ellen and her son, Rob along with his wife, Erin. He was exceptionally proud to be “Poppy” to his grandchildren, and their spouses, Kristine and Marc, Charles V. “Stevie” and Andrea; Elizabeth and Bradley; Lynsey and Dustin; Mackenzie and Joseph; and Michaela. He is also survived by his brother, James and his wife Brenda, seven great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald “Jean” Stevenson.
A viewing was held on June 29 from 5 to 7 PM in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 East Market Street, Georgetown and again on Monday, June 30 from 11 AM to 1 PM. A funeral service with full firemen honors followed.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Delaware Hospice Center for their kind and loving care.
“We ask that our community keep his family and fellow first responders in your thoughts during this difficult time,” Milford Police Department stated on their social media post. “Rest easy sir, we will take it from here.”
