Robert “Bob” V. Mitchell, CGCS Retired, of Lewisburg, W.Va., died Tuesday, Jan. 22. He was 88.
Mitchell was born Nov. 16, 1930, in West Frankfort, Ill. He was a 66-year member of GCSAA and became a Certified Golf Course Superintendent in 1971. He served as president of the association in 1972. During his tenure as director of golf and grounds at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., Mitchell hosted both the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fairlea in West Virginia and served as deacon of the church for 43 years.
Mitchell is preceded in death by his wife, Dorcas, to whom he was married for 66 years, and by his parents, Mary Esther Mitchell and Vertus Mitchell of St. Louis. He is survived by his sister, Doris June Mosele of Alton, Ill., and brother, James “Dutch” Mitchell and his wife, Pat, of Lawrenceville, Ga.
Mitchell is also survived by three children, Robert V. Mitchell Jr. of St. Charles, Mo.; Rhonda K. Mitchell of Weston, W.Va.; and Mark W. Mitchell and his wife, Tricia, of Lewisburg, W.Va. Mitchell had two grandchildren, Katherine Anne Mitchell of St. Charles, Mo., and Charles “Trey” H. White III of White Sulphur Springs/Weston, W.Va.; two step-grandchildren, Erin Hager and Chris (Ginny) Hager; and two step-great-grandchildren, Gage and Guy Hager.
The Mitchell family will receive friends at the First Baptist Church of Fairlea on Saturday, Jan. 26, beginning at 11 a.m. The memorial service will immediately follow, led by Pastors Dallas Smith and Alvie Edwards. There will be a reception in the church fellowship hall afterward. A graveside service will follow at Greenbrier Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Lewisburg, W.Va. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Fairlea, 9146 Seneca Trail South, Ronceverte, WV 24970.