Donald Carl Mitchell

Donald Carl Mitchell, 71, of Nanticoke passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026, at his home.

Born October 12, 1954, in Dallas, TX, he was the son of the late William Vernon and Wilhelmine Elmira (Lewis) Mitchell. He was a graduate of Texas Lutheran College where he won two football national championships and earned a Master's Degree in Biology from Southwest Texas State University.

Donald owned and operated Tidewater Environmental Associates from 1989 to 2025. He also loved playing guitar and writing his own music. Donald was a worship pastor at several churches before becoming the founding pastor at Calvary Chapel Ocean Gateway in Salisbury for over 30 years. He taught through the Bible verse by verse from beginning to end three times and discipled many in the faith. His outreach went beyond the walls of the church into prisons, the Salisbury City Park, and many nursing homes.

The Nanticoke River has always held a special place for Don, where all 3 of his children were baptized. He loved fishing and boating, and taught his children and grandchildren how to fish. He also landed a near state record rockfish. His dream was to always live on the river and it became a reality in 2017. He enjoyed boating, tubing, crabbing, fishing, and admiring the sunsets on the dock surrounded by his family.

Survivors include his wife, Leah Annette (Knous) Mitchell of Salisbury; three children, Joshua Mitchell (Tiffany) of Wilmington, NC, Sarah Robins of Salisbury, Elise Goad (Bryan) of Salisbury; four step-children, Emily Alexander of Willards, Pamela Glenn (John) of Nanticoke, Sophie Holloway of Salisbury and Nick Holloway of Salisbury; ten grandchildren, Josiah and Jayda Mae Mitchell, Ariana, Lyla and Karis Robins, Micah, Joanna, and Levi Goad, Amelia Jean Fitzsimmons and Joseph Glenn; three siblings, Rose Ann Burke (Philip), the late Steve Mitchell (Martha), and David Mitchell; and many nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Patricia (Hipe) Mitchell, the mother of his children.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Holloway Funeral Home, Salisbury. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in the funeral home.