Charles Howard Mitchell

Charles Howard Mitchell “Mitch” (87) Col., U.S. Army (Ret.) of Alexandria, VA passed away on Sunday, May 23, 2021.

Charles was born in Cohasset, MA on December 3, 1933. Growing up, he was active in the Boy Scouts and he worked his way through college at the local rail yard. After graduating from Northeastern University, in 1956, he began his 30 year military career in the Army Corps of Engineers. A year later, he married his high school sweetheart, Sheila Brigham and shortly thereafter, was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, AK. During his career, he was also stationed in Germany, South Korea, and did two tours in Vietnam. In 1971, he settled with his family in Alexandria, VA, where he retired from the Army in 1986. Five years later, he began his second career with the National Rifle Association, a job he absolutely loved and after 23 years retired from at age 81.

His involvement with the Boy Scouts spanned his entire life. He was active in the local Model Railroad Club, and for years, he volunteered his weekends at Huntley Meadows Park. He enjoyed listening to classical music and reading. He also loved watching the birds at his feeders. He cherished time with his family, enjoyed cooking out, and loved spending time with his granddaughters... railfanning with Julia and attending Nicole’s high school and college basketball games. He was an honorable and kind man with a great sense of humor. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Sheila B. Mitchell and his son Charles B. Mitchell. He is survived by his brother Richard Mitchell, sister-in-law Ellen Mitchell, brother-in-law Paul Brigham, loving daughters Shelley Mitchell and Elizabeth Mitchell, and beloved granddaughters Nicole Mitchell and Julia Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity.

 A funeral service followed by a reception with his family will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, June 5 at Pohick Episcopal Church, 9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA 22079. Masks may be required and possibly max capacity of 75.

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