R. J. Mitchell

R.J Mitchell, Jr., 94, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2020, in Cleveland, TN, leaving a legacy of devotion to his family, service to God and country, and an unwavering commitment to lead by example. He served the role of Elder at First Christian Church in Cleveland until his death.
Born Reeve Jackson Mitchell, Jr. on July 12, 1926 to the late Mary Kate and R.J. Mitchell, Sr. in Rich Valley, VA, he was a 1944 graduate of Rich Valley High School where he played on the 1943 Virginia State Championship football team for his beloved Steers and developed his lifelong love of showing horses. While the use and care of horses was a way of life for the Mitchells in the logging business, a love of showing horses was soon sparked and manifested into 82 consecutive years of showing Saddlebred horses and then Hackney ponies starting at the age of 6. Mr. Mitchell’s calm and steady demeanor, constant sportsmanship, and positive attitude endeared him to almost anyone that competed against him, year in and year out. He was always recognizable in his royal blue stable colored silks while maintaining an amateur owned and trained operation, Saddle Creek Stables, with his children and grandchildren.
A proud veteran, Mr. Mitchell served in the Pacific Theater of World War II in the 6th division of the 20th Infantry for the United States Army, seeing combat in the Philippines before helping to establish one of only two Mounted Military Police Units in the Armed Forces while patrolling Korea immediately after the war. Upon his return to Virginia, he met a “tall, pretty girl from Saltville” and loved her for the rest of his life.
Mr. Mitchell relocated to Cleveland, TN with the Olin Corporation in 1971 where he retired after 35 years of service before founding Omni Services in Riceville, TN, as co-owner.
He was known respectfully as Mr. Mitchell to most, but to those who loved him, he was, “Paw”, and is survived by his wife of 71 years, Virginia Dare Mitchell; daughter, Terri Olinger; son, Larry (Julie) Mitchell; grandchildren, Tonya Mullinax, Travis Olinger, Tyson Olinger, Tasha-Marie Olinger, Dustin Mitchell, Trayce Sluder; nine great-grandchildren; and special cousin, Betty Russell. His family will notably miss his propensity for an opportune story and words of wisdom for an honest, steadfast life. “Here am I, Lord, send me.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Horses for Heroes Program at the Tri-State Therapeutic Riding Center, First Christian Church in Cleveland, or HonorAir Knoxville. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a family service will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Friday, August 28, 2020.