Randolph Mitchell, Sr.

Randolph Mitchell, Sr., born in 1938 in Nansemond County, Va, passed away peacefully at the age of 86. He was the son of William Clearence Mitchell and Amanda Brown Mitchell. Randolph is survived by his devoted wife, Vernell Thomas Mitchell of Suffolk, Va. Together, they shared a remarkable 63 years of marriage. He is also survived by his two children: Randolph Mitchell, Jr. (Vonetta) of Florida and Vera B. Mitchell of North Carolina. Sadly, his younger son, Marshalle Mitchell, preceded him in death.

He was predeceased by his sister Catherine Francis and his brother William M. Mitchell, Sr. He is survived by his sister Mary Lee Chapman of Suffolk, Va, who is 96 years old, and his sisters-in-law Alice Mitchell of Suffolk, Va, and Estelle White (Wallace). Brothers-in-law Earl Thomas (Yvonne), Hercules Thomas, Jr. (Melinda), and sister-in-law Vera Mae Walton also preceded him in death.

He leaves behind four beloved grandchildren: Marquita Coleman (AJ), Winston Mitchell, and Mikayla Mitchell. Shawnricka Mitchell, the oldest grandchild, at the age of 40 preceded him in death. Randolph was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren.

Randolph had a special place in his heart for all his nieces and nephews and extended family members but had a special bond with his niece, Amanda Marie Teixeira (Tony) of Churchland, Va. and his nephew, Ronnie Mitchell of Suffolk, Va, who helped him during some difficult days. He is also survived by other nieces and nephews that he adored: Emma Frances Montgomery of Suffolk, Va, William Mitchell, Jr. (Chantay) of Portsmouth, Va, Shanda Mitchell Pope (Hector) of Cora Peake, NC, Sherrie Mitchell of Atlanta, Ga, Shanta Mitchell Ruffin (Lamont) of Suffolk, Va, Lewis Chapman of Suffolk, Va, Tara Chapman of Suffolk, Va, and another nephew, William Chapman, who preceded him in death, along with a host of other nieces and nephews. Additional extended family members include Ronald Tracy White (April) of Stone Mountain, Ga, Shawn White of Atlanta, Ga, Dwayne White of Suffolk, Va, Estelle Evans of Suffolk, Va, and Sonya Walton Bingham and Linwood Walton Jr. of San Diego, Ca. Craig Goodwin, Portsmouth, Va., and Carlton Gaines of Alaska along with a host of other extended nieces and nephews.

Randolph graduated from East Suffolk High School in the class of 1959, where he proudly represented the Fighting Wolverines. He served as the treasurer for his alumni association. Randolph was passionate about music and played in a local band he and his friends founded called the Rocky Champs, where he was the lead drummer and played a host of other musical instruments.

To support his growing family, his mother, and others, Randolph joined the United States Army in 1962, serving for two years and earning an honorable discharge. He successfully completed courses in Code of Conduct, Military Justice, and Emergency Medical Care. He was also awarded the marksman designation for his exceptional shooting accuracy and precision. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, the American military was on high alert, prepared to invade Cuba if the situation was not resolved diplomatically. President John F. Kennedy and his administration worked intensively to find a peaceful solution to the crisis, which led to the Soviet Union agreeing to remove its missiles from Cuba, thereby avoiding a potential military confrontation. Randolph was thankful for the peaceful resolution but was prepared to fight for his country.

After his military service, Randolph worked at the Newport News Shipyard as an electrician, working on submarines, and retired after 30 years. In addition to his work at the shipyard, he became a distributor for Watkins Products along with having his tax business. Randolph pursued higher education at Norfolk State University, majoring in Electronics Technology from 1970-75. After retirement, he loved to play dominoes at the East Suffolk Community Center and Hardees with his friends. He loved to fix things and at one time had a shop room where he built his own television years ago. He loved to joke around but was a serious person. If he believed something, he strongly held firm to those beliefs.

Despite challenges in his early years, Randolph developed a love for reading and learning, a passion that stayed with him until his final days. He touched many lives with his wisdom and understanding of what is truly important in life.

Randolph Mitchell Sr. will be remembered for his enduring love for his family, his strong work ethic, and his unwavering spirit. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the memories he created. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A viewing will be held 1-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2024  at Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Gates of Heaven. He will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.