Robert Laurie Mitchell III

Robert Laurie Mitchell Ill, 71, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, died on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg with family and friends by his side.

Affectionately known as "Casey" to family and contemporaries, he was born on April 12, 1954, to the late Robert Laurie Mitchell, Jr. and Barbara Branner Mitchell.

Casey attended Charlotte Hall Military Academy and later graduated from La Plata High School in 1973. He had the good fortune of living in Japan and England during his early childhood years. He visited Japan as an adult and loved the country.

Upon the family's return to Maryland, he would often spend time and summers at Maxwelton, the home of his grandmother, Catherine Mitchell. He was a voracious reader.

After graduation, Casey worked for several engineering/surveying firms in southern Maryland until moving to King George, VA. Later, finding his forever home in Fredericksburg, he became an entrepreneur with the purchase of the historic restaurant The Chimneys. Casey enjoyed all aspects of ownership from hosting to cooking and pairing wines.

Casey inherited his talent for art and drawing from his mother. He often drew and painted beautiful cards to send for special occasions. He was a master carpenter/cabinet maker and appreciated quality woodworking. He loved all kinds of music and enjoyed jamming with local musicians while frequenting local establishments.

Casey always called himself a curmudgeon, and indeed the moniker fit, but if you were fortunate enough to break through the crusty exterior, you had a friend for life. He was known for his generosity and would impart words of wisdom if asked. His support was always there, no matter how crazy the idea. While he would always give Cathy a hard time whenever a new furry family member arrived at the house, he enjoyed having them around.

Casey is survived by his wife, Catherine Craighead Mitchell. In addition to his parents, Casey was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mitchell of LaPlata, Maryland; and maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Branner of Bethesda, Maryland.

A celebration of Casey's life will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at La Petite Auberge (311 William St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).

Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.