Robert Edgar Mitchell Jr.

Robert Edgar Mitchell Jr., M.D., died Thursday, January 15, 2004. A native of Richmond, he was born October 20, 1919, the son of Robert E. Mitchell, M.D. and Julia Gardner Carlton Mitchell. He was graduated from Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Virginia Medical School. After a fellowship in gastroenterology at the Graduate Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, he returned to Richmond and practiced medicine for forty-six years, the last twelve with his sons, Robert Edgar Mitchell III, M.D. and Richard Gardner Mitchell, M.D. He was a dedicated physician, devoted to his patients. At Hampden-Sydney, Dr. Mitchell received a varsity letter for football and was president of Chi Phi Fraternity. He enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II and as a lieutenant engaged in military action against German U-Boats. Later he became a captain in the Naval Reserves. He was active in the Medical Society of Virginia and the Richmond Academy of Medicine, where he served proudly as president in 1977. He served on the Board of Sheltering Arms Hospital and served on the Editorial Board of the Virginia Medical Monthly. He was a clinical professor of medicine at the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Mitchell was a founding member of the Bockus International Society, a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology and the American College of Physicians. He was the author of landmark medical articles describing perforation of the esophagus, the understanding of circadian rhythm and Botulinin toxin in esophageal disorders. He was a member of the Westmoreland Club and the Country Club of Virginia. In addition to his two sons, Dr. Mitchell is survived by his wife, Mary; and another son, Clark Carlton Mitchell, M.D. of Miami Beach, Fla.; and four grandchildren, Robert Edgar Mitchell IV, Charles Gardner Mitchell, Elizabeth Tinley Mitchell and Jackson Hamilton Mitchell; and his sister, June Mitchell Phillips of Williamsburg. He was preceded in death by his sister, Catharine Mitchell Holladay of Orange County. After a private burial in Toano, Va., a memorial service will be held at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 17. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the University of Virginia Medical School Foundation.