William Thomas Mitchell

William T. “Tommy” Mitchell, 85, of Trinity, NC joined his wife Brenda at her side in the eternal grace of Heaven on April 21, 2024. Born to Charlie and Romell Mitchell in Statesville, NC, Tommy, or “Papaw” as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren would call him, was the oldest child in a hard-working family rooted in the region’s famous furniture manufacturing districts.

On July 26, 1958, Tommy married Brenda, his wife of 65 years. He enjoyed the loving company of his two daughters, Charlotte and Linda, and later in life became a grandfather of four and a great-grandfather of five more.

A savvy salesperson and multifaceted tradesman, Tommy pursued careers ranging from auto repair management and auto sales to various commercial endeavors. He was proudly self-taught and highly-skilled, content in the fact that he always remained independent enough to do anything he desired. Together, Tommy and Brenda would incorporate Central Carolina Insurance and OK Finance with offices serving the communities of High Point and Archdale, NC where they would work for over 40 years.

An industrious spirit always looking for the next horizon, Tommy also managed several properties in the Piedmont Triad area where he was a familiar and warmly-welcomed face in local businesses. Tommy’s service to the community also extended to his home where he and Brenda cared for multiple foster children. Later in life, Tommy and Brenda settled on a quiet farm in rural Trinity, NC where Tommy turned his diligence and resourcefulness to the land as he worked with his treasured John Deere tractor, grew vegetables in his hand-built greenhouse, repaired a 19th century cabin on the farm, and cared for the dogs and cats which would keep them company. While he never cared much for physical sports, Tommy loved to engage in cerebral combat as his love for intellectual pursuits kept him interested and invigorated. If he could take care of a problem himself… he would. Even—and especially—in a courtroom. Sometimes he was successful. Other times, he wasn’t.

Tommy and Brenda would remain at Finch Farm until circumstances led them to move eventually to Largo, FL. Following Brenda’s passing on April 6, Tommy passed away peacefully just two weeks later.

Tommy is now at rest in Heaven with his wife, his parents, and his extended Lackey Family. He is survived by his close family members, Sandra Johnson, Mike Yarbrough, nieces and nephews, and extended family including the Lackey Clan; two daughters Charlotte (Danny) Hemmings and Linda (David) Allen; his grandchildren Brette (Jimmy Nielsen) Hemmings, Nick (Anna) Allen, Ryan (Mel) Allen, and Dylan Allen; and his great-grandchildren Jackson Allen, Finley Grace Allen, Nadia Bosse, Levi Allen, and Rue Allen.

The family would like to send a heartfelt Thank You to Elison Senior Living of Pinecrest in Largo, Florida (specifically the staff of the Memory Care Unit) for the loving and compassionate care they have and are providing for so many.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Tommy’s Memory to SuncoastHospiceFoundation.org.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 10:00 until 10:45 am at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home with burial services to be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Guilford Memorial Park in Greensboro, NC at 6000 West Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com