Purnell "Ted" Theodore Batchelor

Purnell Theodore “Ted” Batchelor, Junior of Chestertown, Maryland passed away with his son by his side Thursday October 2, 2025. He was 71 years old. Ted was born to the late Purnell Theodore, Senior and Pearl Lena Matilda Batchelor. He grew up in Skinners Neck close to his extensive family who taught him how to make a life for himself on the water. With the help of his father and grandfather he learned how to build and fix just about anything. As a young man he served as a fireman in the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company. Service to others and involvement in his community were hallmarks of Ted’s life. He graduated from Rock Hall High School in 1971 and soon after met the love of his life Margaret Teresa “Teri” Batchelor on a blind date. Ted was devoted to Teri and supported her as she attended college in West Virginia. After she graduated and found work back home in Maryland they were married on February 21, 1981. As a man who came from a long line of craftsmen, tradesmen and watermen, applying his skills in the marine industry came naturally to him. Ted made a career of building and repairing boats at local marinas such as Worton Creek Marina and Georgetown Yacht Basin. In the early 2000’s he started his own business, Moonlight Yacht Service. He made a name for himself as a talented craftsman who found creative ways to repair boats and build all sorts of things. He especially enjoyed working with wood at his shop on the family farm outside Fairlee. After the birth of Ted and Teri’s son, Clayborne Theodore “Clay” Batchelor, Ted became involved in Cub Scout pack 246 of Rock Hall, Maryland and later Boy Scout Troop 130 of Chestertown, Maryland. Ted was an active member of the troop’s adult leadership and guided many young men including his son to the rank of Eagle Scout. He served as a scoutmaster of troop 130 for many years and was involved with the organization regionally. He earned many prestigious awards for his endearing service to Scouting including the distinguished Silver Beaver Award. Ted was a member of the Chester Masonic Lodge No. 115 A.F. & A.M., and a member of the York Rite bodies of Denton MD, with Temple Lodge 128, and Edenton Royal Arch Chapter 36, Adoniram Council No. 21 and Select Masters. In retirement Ted and Teri started Bakers Lane Christmas Tree Farm outside Fairlee. They worked tirelessly to grow the best trees they could and treat their guests like family. Clay and his wife, Lauren, now continue the tree farm in their honor. Ted was predeceased by his wife, Teri and his sister, Carol Ann Walls. He is survived by his son Clay, his daughter-in-law Lauren Batchelor and 3 grandsons Lucas, Elijah and Noah who all bear a striking resemblance to their grandfather. Ted is also survived by his nephews Sam Walls Jr. of Millington and Matthew Walls of Rock Hall. The funeral will begin with a Masonic service on Saturday, October 18, at 1:00 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown and will be live-streamed. Friends and relatives may call from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Interment will be held in St. Paul’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org

Purnell "Ted" Theodore Batchelor

November 11, 1953 - October 2, 2025