Thomas Lawley Mitchell

Thomas L. Mitchell, also known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren, died peacefully in his sleep with a smile on his face Monday, January 16, 2017, at the age of 84. The Lord called him home after a more than 10-year struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Tom was born September 9, 1932, on a farm in Limestone County, Alabama, to A.L. and Sarah Lawley Mitchell. A.L. and Sarah raised Tom in Birmingham, AL, where he graduated from Ensley High School in 1950. He earned his B.S. degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University in 1955. Soon after, he moved to Houston, TX, for an engineering job with Shell Oil. He stayed temporarily at the YMCA, not far from Broadway Baptist Church on Lawndale. It was through Broadway Baptist that Tom met his wife Virginia Parrott at a singles retreat in San Leon, TX, during the summer of 1956. One year later on June 22, 1957, they married at South Main Baptist Church in Houston by Virginia’s uncle C.H. Phifer.

Most of Tom’s 50-plus years in chemical engineering were spent at U.S. Industrial Chemical and Bechtel Corporation of Houston. He was known in his industry as an expert in coal gasification. He worked with chemical plants in Wilmington, DE; Johnson City, TN; and with others in Germany and as far away as China. For more than 30 years, Tom and Virginia were faithful and active members at Park Place Baptist Church of Houston. Tom served as a deacon, a teacher, a director of the young married class, and on the pastor search committee. They enjoyed hosting annual Sunday School parties at their home in Pasadena, TX, where they raised their family.

Tom enjoyed a good round of golf at Baywood Country Club, the scene for many family gatherings around the pool, car trips to the east and west coast, spring break camping trips, Colorado ski trips with friends, church mission trips to Australia, and a special cruise with his children and grandchildren to the Inside Passage of Alaska. He often said his number one job was taking care of his family. He loved being a father and a grandfather and teaching his girls and grandkids the Spock finger exercise and hand whistle.

He faithfully took care of Virginia as she fought her short battle with ALS in 2000-2001. He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Virginia of 44 years, his brother-in-law Rodney Parrott and his sister-in-law Nina Parrott. He is survived by his two daughters, D’Nita and Steve Cruse of Pasadena, TX, and Robin Stricklin of Dallas, TX, along with his grandchildren Gregory and Brittney Cruse and Kate of Richmond, TX, Kristin Cruse of Houston, TX, Cal Stricklin of Waco, TX, and Colton Stricklin of Dallas, TX. He is survived by his brother Ronald and Barbara Mitchell and his sister Shirley and Greg Waldrop, all of Birmingham, Alabama; his brother-in-laws Neil Parrott of Baytown, TX, and Harold and Phyllis Parrott of Houston, TX. He is also survived by 5 nephews, 6 nieces and many great nephews and nieces.

Tom’s family is grateful for the care he received during his years with Alzheimer’s at The Terrace of Clear Lake and Autumn Leaves of Clear Lake.

His family invites you to celebrate Tom’s life at 11a.m., Monday, February 6, at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home and Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Avenue, Houston, TX 77023, (713)928-5141. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Houston, 6055 S. Loop East at Long Drive, Houston, TX 77087.