Fred Andrew Mitchell
Fred Andrew Mitchell, Jr. of Chatham, Virginia passed away June 27, 2024 at his
residence. Mr. Mitchell was born in a log cabin near Bearskin creek on part of old county
poorhouse farm on February 14, 1940.
He was the son of Fred Andrew Mitchell, Sr., and his father was a well-known horse trader and
had a road named after him in the 1980’s, Mitchell Road starting at Marion Baptist
Church. His mother, Martha Gilbert Mitchell was raised in Leaksville, NC (now called
Eden) and formally Tri-City (Leaksville, Spray, and Draper). His mother was a true
Christian and was truly devoted to her family.
Fred graduated from Chatham High School in 1958, playing basketball, baseball,
football, and was a member of the BETA club. After high school, he attended Virginia
Polytechnic Institute (now VA Tech) from September 1958 until May 1961, and was in
the cadet corps for 2 years. Fred enlisted in the Navy on June 20, 1962 and had a
distinguished career with top 1% 13 paygrades. He held dual status as both a Master
Chief and commissioned Chief Warrant Officer and was the last man in the Navy to do
so.
From the time of his beloved wife’s passing in 2016, Fred became known as the “candy
man” and the “pen man”, handing out free ink pens and candy daily wherever he went.
He was also known as a “pool shark” at BB’s Place. From July 1982 until his passing,
Fred investigated government corruption, propaganda lies, conspiracies, and factual
history. He was a truth-seeker and shared what he learned with others. Although a
Christian, he became non-denominational. Fred advocated “The Golden Rule” for
everyone (Matthew 7:12 as stated by Jesus, and Matthew Chapter 5). Fred dearly loved
his family and friends. He also loved music, especially country, bluegrass, and the best of
Pop and rock-n-roll.
Fred had various jobs growing up, including working in tobacco, painting houses,
working at the Chatham Theater in the 10 th through 12 th grade. He also worked in a
poolroom, worked for BB Crane in Gretna, Crossroads restaurant, and mowed grass for
Transco Pipeline Station in Chatham for 3 years.
He is survived by his children, Jerry Encarnacion (Mary and her mom Glenda), Chris
Encarnacion (Scott), Dee Rosario (Robyn), Joe Rosario (Chrissy), Terry Rosario, Alexa
Lucas (Chris), and Cissy Rosario. He is also survived by his grandchildren Joshua
Encarnacion, Jacob Encarnacion (Alayah), Matt Clark, Olivia Horner (Ben), Danielle
Rosario, and Brandon Azinger and great-grandchild Asuka Encarnacion as well as niece Linda Monticello and family.
In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his beloved wife, Elaine H.
Mitchell, his son, Tony Rey Mitchell Rosario and his brother, John Mitchell (Margie) and
sisters, Iris Fowlkes (Latney) and Kitty Napier (Phil).
Fred had many wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews from Mitchell's, Fowlke's,
Napier's etc. from all over that are too numerous to mention, that he loved and adored so
very much because they made this circle of family so very special...let’s keep it going!!!
He had so very many special friends but the family would like to mention the Haskins'
Family and Hodnetts' from "over yonder down the road". He thought a lot of Kara
Birckhead from PATH’s, CNA Tory Tucker, Nayer Hospice who provided extraordinary
care and friendship in his last days including Kristan, Heather, Regina and Chaplain Rick.
Bobby Campbell, Steve Allen, Lew and his sons, and Karen Aaron, you were among
Dad's special friends and helpers he cared for so much. Scott says thanks for all the
wonderful help in Dad's last days and he always gave you his "thumbs up" seal of
approval.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.at the family
cemetery on 1440 Mitchell Rd., Chatham, VA, with Pastor Curtis English officiating.
The family will accept visitors at the home beginning at 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, July 2,
2024.
Norris Funeral Service, Chatham Chapel is respectfully serving the family. Online
condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com
