Carl Richard Pagter                      January 3, 2023

Carl Richard Pagter, 88, celebrated old-time and bluegrass musician of Stanardsville, Virginia and Walnut Creek California, went to his eternal home on the morning of January 3, 2023, from his family residence in Stanardsville, Virginia.

Carl is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Judith Cox Rorabaugh Pagter of Stanardsville; son Corbin Pagter; stepdaughters Melissa Lynn Wilson and Alicia Sue Contic; grandchildren Justin Hollingshead, Chad Hollingshead, Brent Contic, Tiffany Contic, Shana Contic, Cory Contic, Chase Contic; and great-grandchildren Eva Hollingshead and Tye Hollingshead. Carl was preceded in death by a son, Cameron Pagter.

Carl was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on February 13, 1934, to Charles Ralph Pagter and Mina C. Amelung Pagter. He moved to California as a youth and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Diablo Valley College in 1953, a Bachelor of Arts in History degree from San Jose State University in 1955, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1964. He became a U.S. Navy Officer in 1956, was assigned active duty on the USS INTREPID (CV-11) for six years and Naval Reserve duties for fourteen more, retiring as a Commander after 20 years of service. A lawyer by profession, he was employed in a corporate capacity in various locations in California, and near Washington, DC.

Carl was a singer at a young age and was introduced to the ukelele by his long-time Navy friend John Sandy. He became a self-taught long-neck banjo player at age 28. He loved bluegrass music and befriended many who played it artistically. He became an enthusiastic advocate for bluegrass music and its old-time musical roots. In 1975, Carl and Judie Cox Pagter formed the old-time string band, Country Ham. For 35 years the Pagters traveled nationally with the band to maintain a part-time performance and recording career in the Smoky Mountains, the San Francisco Bay Area, and in the Washington, D.C. Area.

In 1974 Carl founded the California Bluegrass Music Association, which has become the largest such advocacy association with over 2,600 members today. He chaired its board and promoted its musical performances, later serving on the boards of the International Bluegrass Music Association, the Bluegrass Music Museum in Kentucky, and the Bluegrass Music Foundation in Nashville. He was honored by receiving the IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award in 1999.

A memorial service and Celebration of Life for Carl will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, commencing with military honors at 10:30 a.m. at South River United Methodist Church, 1299 South River Road, north of Stanardsville. Fellowship and refreshments will follow, with an afternoon of exceptional old-time and bluegrass music performed by Carl’s musician relatives and friends.

                                                               Photo Source: Banjo Newsletter, July 2012

                                                              Interview of Carl R. Pagter by Snap Jackson

                                                            (Contributions from Carl’s loving wife Judie

                                                             And his loving son Corbin Pagter)