Rodney Byron Mitchell

It is with profound sadness that the family of Rodney Byron Mitchell announces his passing on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the age of 76 in Arlington, Virginia. Mitch was a beloved husband and brother-in-law, cherished uncle and devoted friend. His warmth, generosity, humility, kindness, knowledge and joyful spirit touched all who knew him.

Mitch was the firstborn of three children of Fred and Jacqueline Hague Mitchell, born on August 28, 1948 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Mitch had his first passport photo taken at age 3 for his move to Kobe, Japan where his father was stationed in the Army. Mitch’s father fought in the Battle of the Bulge and continued his career in the Army, thus Mitch lived in many places as a child. This included Berlin, Germany and Poitiers, France in addition to his father’s many stateside assignments. His mother recorded 29 addresses for Mitch from birth to the date of his college graduation.

Mitch spent most of high school in Colorado Springs and Boulder Colorado, graduating from Fairview High School in Boulder. He continued in Boulder as an ROTC student at the University of Colorado, graduating with a business degree. He loved the mountains and the openness of the southwest of the United States.

Mitch was an Armored Officer and Operations Research Analyst in the US Army. Mitch’s first Army assignment was at Ft Riley, Kansas. He was on his way to a Vietnam assignment and got as far as the Philippines when the war in Vietnam ended and Mitch’s unit returned to the states. His unit at Ft Riley had the detail to bury President Harry Truman and also assisted in providing support to quell the Kansas City Kansas riots. At Fort Knox, Kentucky his assignment included working on the development of the M1 Abrams tank. He was stationed with the 3rd Armored Division in Friedberg, Germany in support of guarding the Fulda Gap. Notably, this unit was known for previously having been the duty station for Elvis Presley as well as former U.S. Secretary of State and retired General Colin Powell, who began his Army career here as a Second Lieutenant in 1958. In his Fort Bliss, Texas assignment he made many trips taking troops to Germany for Reforger Exercises. He also assisted with the transferring of the STS-3 Space Shuttle Columbia from White Sands Missile Range to the 747 Mother Ship in March 1982, as the usual Space Shuttle landing at Edwards Air Force Base was not available due to flooding. Mitch assisted in Army support for the second inauguration of President Reagan. In his assignment at the Defense Communications Agency (DCA) Pentagon he supported Joint Staff J4 Logistics. At Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) he was the Operations Officer, providing peacekeeping support in the Sinai Egypt. This happened to be during the Gulf War, with Scud missiles landing in his area of operations. His final Army assignment prior to his retirement was at the Pentagon Army Office of Chief Legislative Liaison, providing Army support to Congress.

Mitch earned many awards honoring his military career, including the Legion of Merit. The Legion of Merit is one of the U. S. military's most prestigious awards, ranking just below the Silver Star, and ahead of the Distinguished Flying Cross. It is one of only two decorations to be issued as neck wear, the other being the Medal of Honor. Though Mitch earned such awards, he remained humble and never boasted about his accomplishments. He did pass on stories about his time in the service, and encouraged those around him to honor and respect the sacrifice that others made for our country.

Mitch had a talent for writing, and our family holiday meals would begin with a beautiful reflection that he had composed. He would always emphasize his hope for peace in the world and support for those who dedicated their lives to this effort.

Following his Army retirement, Mitch was a substitute teacher in the Arlington Public Schools, eventually deciding the age group he preferred was the kindergarteners. He thoroughly enjoyed being a kindergarten aide for many years. He had creative teaching ideas and would carry them out in concrete ways. This included dressing up in overalls and making special appearances as a visiting guest at his sister-in-law’s school in Manassas.

Mitch met his wife Carroll Ann while assigned to DCA at the Pentagon. They married in 1994. They enjoyed traveling, including many trips to Colorado and the southwest for skiing and other adventures. Trips often included one or more of the three nephews. Many adventures were had and stories shared on these trips. Trips we also made along the east coast from Canada to Florida. Mitch also enjoyed beach trips, whether it was to the Atlantic Ocean or Cancun, Mexico. Often trips included adventures to explore and enjoy trains. Mitch loved and was extremely knowledgeable in real and model trains. He was active for many years in the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders Club headquartered in the historic train depot in downtown Vienna, Virginia. He also enjoyed racing remote control cars with various local clubs. His grandfather was a Norwegian immigrant who worked for the railroads and instilled in Mitch a love of trains. His other grandfather raised gladiolus at Arkansas State University and influenced Mitch’s enjoyment of and skill in gardening. Mitch was known as quite the grill-master, enjoying sharing his tasty creations with family and friends.

Mitch had a stroke in 2022. He was able to return home following this stroke, but endured many health challenges in the following years. His mobility challenges required him to move to a skilled nursing facility. Mitch never ever complained. He remained interested in reading the newspaper, keeping up with current events, and watching WETA UK mysteries and car races on TV. He enjoyed visits from family and friends and hearing of their activities. He loved life and all it had to offer. He never gave up. He passed away peacefully on January 14 with his devoted wife by his side.

Mitch is survived by his wife Carroll Ann, sister-in-law Catherine Drummond (Dorsey), nephews DJ (Noelle), Cooper (Barbara) and Richard (Emily), cousins and dear friends. Mitch had a lasting impact on those who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire love, loyalty, patriotism, generosity and kindness. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 7 from 5 to 7 PM at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, Virginia 22151.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 1:00 PM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1427 West Braddock Rd, Alexandria, Virginia 22302.

Mitch’s burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, May 19 at 1 PM.

Memorial contributions in his name can be made to the charity of one’s choice.