712th Railway Operating Battalion -- R. Edward Mitchell

Franklin writes of his father-in-law ...
My father in-law, Roy Edward Mitchell was with this group in WWII and Korea.



R. Edward Mitchell

R. Edward Mitchell, 90, of Lynchburg, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2009. Born in Roanoke on October 7, 1918, he was the son of Virginia Dare and Robert Weldon Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell is survived by his wife of 62 years, Daphne Gray Mitchell. He is also survived by his children, Weldon G. Mitchell and wife Karen, Suzanne .J Mitchell, Stephen W. Mitchell, and Edie M. Swann and husband Franklin: and six grandchildren, Matthew, Sabrina, Danielle, Allan, Kaitlin and Mitchell.

He was the last surviving sibling of his family, preceded in death by Robert Mitchell Jr., Gladys Doss, Mary Dent, and two infant sisters. Mr. Mitchell was a veteran of WWII (D-Day) and Korea earning the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and many honors. He graduated from Newport News Ship and Drydock and later became owner and president of Mitchell Construction Company.

He was an active member of Centenary United Methodist Church, its’ board and property committee, secretary/treasurer and Past Grand Counselor of UCT, Lynchburg Council 130, a sixteen year member of the American Legion, a DAV Past Commander, the VFW, and an avid Bible reader.

Eddie enjoyed Smith Mountain Lake as well as travel with his wife throughout the US, Canada and Europe. He will be remembered as a happy and jovial person who loved and appreciated his family and friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 19th at 11:00AM with funeral following at 12:00 Noon at Diuguid Funeral Home on Wiggington Road. A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Burial Park in Roanoke at 3:00PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 1501 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503 or The National D-Day Memorial, PO Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523.

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