Don "Mitch" Mitchell

Don ("Mitch") Mitchell departed this life peacefully on August 20, 2023, after a valiant and unexpected health battle, surrounded by his loving family.

He graduated from Seventy-First High School in Fayetteville, NC, and attended Carolina Business College. Mitch worked at Bowditch Ford as the Commercial Sales Manager in Newport News for many years and was proud of his 50-plus-year career in the automotive industry and loved the people he served on the Peninsula and across the country. He never met a stranger, remained humble and loyal, and often considered his clients good friends and some even family. He won numerous sales and leadership awards and always demonstrated and taught others about a strong work ethic. He was a loyal and faithful servant to God and attended Waters Edge Church whenever possible. He loved his country and was proud to be an Eagle Scout, earning the title of Junior Assistant Scout Master and Order of the Arrow at age 15 on 6/17/61 with Unit 732, Occoneechee Council, NC. He had been an active member of the Loyal Order of The Moose, Chapter #1711, since 1982. Over the years, he was an avid golfer, enjoyed riding his motorcycle, and his favorite hobby was flying ultralights with friends in Mathews. Besides his wife, the love of his life was his faithful dog child, Madison, whom he affectionately nicknamed "Pooh Bear." He often recounted stories about Madison to people, even strangers, saying, "I can't wait to see him again in heaven."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Annie B. Mitchell and Sanford W. Mitchell; his brother, Ronald W. Mitchell; and his daughter, Amber Mitchell Stinson (September 2021). He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years and best friend of 41 years, Judith F. Mitchell of Newport News; his sons, Dennis A. Huffman of Gibsonton, FL, and Joey C. Huffman (Dana) of Columbia, SC; his son-in-law, Michael (Jennifer) Stinson; Five grandchildren: Dylan Parker (Hampton), Kendall and Ryan Stinson (Smithfield); Savana and Kaelyn Huffman (Columbia); his Goddaughter and youngest niece, Victoria Dessoffy; his nieces, Jessica Dessoffy and her children, Joshua and Nathan and Brittany Burns (William) and their children, Josie and Evan; and Amanda Horsley and nephews, Brandon Horsley (Maggie) and children, Emma and Jax; and Jordan Brooks and family; brother-in-law, James Fisher; sisters-In-law, Janet Dessoffy (Keith) and Juanita Warren (Bobby); Tammy & Robert Dessoffy; nephews, Robbie and Noah and a host of very special extended family members and friends.

It has been my honor to have been his wife; he is the best human being I have ever known. "I will love you forever, Don Mitchell, then when forever is over, I will start all over again."

The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2023 at Weymouth Funeral Home with Funeral Services to begin at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. A Reception will be held immediately following the services at Warwick Moose Lodge, #1771 Warwick Moose Lane, Newport News. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to his memorial fund at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://raise.stjude.org/InLovingMemoryDonMitchell. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.