Robert S. Mitchell

Robert S. Mitchell, age 78, departed this life on January 28, 2011 after a long and courageous battle with several illnesses. He was born in Newport News, on August 12, 1932 to Alvin Mitchell and Selma Britt Mitchell. He faithfully served his country from 1950 through 1982, and had the honor of being the one-millionth soldier to return home from Korea in 1954.

Robert was the owner and operator of the Circle Snack Shop in Hampton for several years and made many wonderful friends there. He was a past volunteer for the Langley AFB Pharmacy and VA Hospital. He was a life member of VFW Post 3219, a member of Monitor Lodge 197 AF & AM, and a past member of Elks Lodge 366. Robert was a member of the Metro Seniors Golf Group and spent many enjoyable hours with his golf buddies. He was a member of Langley Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon and teacher of the Sawyer Bible Class.

Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara Mitchell; sons, Robert S. Mitchell, Jr. of Alachua, FL and Chris Mitchell of Chesapeake; daughters, Lisa Newton and Crystal Mitchell of Hampton; brother, John Mitchell of Newport News; sisters, Rita Parker of Chesapeake, Selma Winebarger of Gloucester, and Peggy Bassford of Wichita, KS; 7 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Robert's life will be held at Langley Baptist Church, 116 E. Little Back River Road, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 31, with Revs. Judd Knuckols and Bob Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Hampton-Veterans Memorial Gardens, with military honors and Masonic rites.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Langley Baptist Church Women on Mission or the American Cancer Society.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. in Hampton, 23666.