Mitchell Phillips Kambis

On October 16, 2015, Mitchell Kambis lost his courageous battle with cancer. Mitchell was born September 13, 1944 in Richmond to Ethel Phillips Kambis and Jerry John Kambis. He was educated at Varina High School, received his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Georgia and earned a Master of Arts in Sociology from the College of William & Mary and a Master of Science in Gerontology from VCU-MCV. In addition, he studied law at the University of Richmond. A true intellectual renaissance man, Mitchell’s quest for knowledge lasted his entire life. His critical thinking prowess walked that delicate line between science and philosophy resulting in unique perspectives on matters of life. He wrote many unpublished short stories focused on the human condition and was a champion of disenfranchised and marginalized peoples. His public service included appointment to state-wide commissions by Virginia governors.

Mitchell and his former wife of many years, Charee, raised their family in his beloved Varina and in Richmond, Virginia. His career as a real estate broker, home designer, and developer spanned 4 decades and benefited many. His perceptive, thoughtful and devoted restoration of Richmond’s elegant Empire Theater provided Richmond with an unparalleled venue for the performing arts and remains as one of his many outstanding accomplishments. His greatest legacies are his children whom he loved and admired.

Preceded in death by his father and mother, Mitchell is survived by his son Alex, two grandchildren, Tyler and Reed, his daughter Kara, and his brother Ken Kambis (Leslye) of Williamsburg, VA, as well as an extensive network of aunts, uncles and cousins in Greece as well as in America. Mitchell leaves behind many loved ones, dear friends, and associates, particularly those at 5100 Monument Avenue.

The family will receive visitors at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 Laburnum Ave. Richmond, VA 23231 from 2 – 4PM and 6 – 8PM on Friday, October 23, 2015 with funeral services to be held at Nelsen Funeral Home at 10AM Saturday, October 24, 2015. Graveside services will follow at Washington Memorial Park. Online condolences may be left at www.nelsenrichmond.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Mitchell Kambis Scholarship for Social Justice established in his memory. Information on how to do so can be found at http://www.wm.edu/as/sociology/index.php by selecting “support sociology” and comment “Kambis Scholarship.”