Thomas O. Mitchell

Thomas Omer Mitchell, Sr. of Salem, Virginia entered into heavenly peace on April 30th, 2023, at the age of 92. Tom (Mitch) is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Shirley (Blankenship), his 4 daughters and their spouses Connie Keen (Billy) of Montpelier, VA, Mendy Gillis (John II) of Virginia Beach, VA, Michelle McCrady (Brian) of Flower Mound, TX and Sherri Bryant (Norm) of St. Augustine, FL, his 13 grandchildren Jarrett (Lelia) Keen, Eric (Jenny) Keen, Tracey (Mark) Pile, Kayla (Stephen) Cook, Shawna LeFever, Thomas “T” (Morgan) Mitchell, John Gillis III, Lilli (Tim) Parsons, Laci, Andrew, and Alex McCrady, Austin and Shae Bryant, and his 3 great grandchildren, Henry Keen, Baughanie Keen, and Paisley Mitchell. Tom is also survived by a sister, Rose Marie Carroll and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tom was predeceased by his son, Thomas Omer Mitchell Jr.

Tom retired from the United States Navy Reserves, where he served as a Chief Machinist’s Mate. Tom also retired from General Electric in Salem after 38 years and was listed as one of the first engineers hired in 1954. He was a retired volunteer fireman with the Mason’s Cove Fire Department. Tom was a devout Christian man and served his Lord and Savior at Ridgewood Baptist Church for decades. Tom’s accomplishments were prominent, but his provisions, love, loyalty, and leadership were exemplary.

Tom’s celebration of life begins with visitation on Wednesday, May 3 from 6-8 pm at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem. Funeral service is at Ridgewood Baptist Church in Roanoke on Thursday, May 4 at 11 am. Interment at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.