February 23, 1932 – February 5, 2011
ANDERSON, SC - Rufus Mitchell, Jr., 78 of Anderson, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 5, 2011, after a brief illness at AnMed Health Medical Center.
Born in Greenville, SC, he was the son of the late Rev. Rufus and Willie Mae Mitchell. HE was a proud veteran who served his country in the United States Army. He was a POW in the Korean Conflict and received many medals and awards for his service. He worked many years in the city of Anderson as a police officer and was known as “Teddy Bear”. He retired after being self-employed as a car dealer. He was a faithful member of Gethsemane Baptist Temple where he served as a trustee and was a member of The Forever Young Sunday School class. In addition, he was a member of the Disabled American Veterans of Anderson Chapter 40.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Barbara Holliday.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Martha Charping Mitchell; son, Kevin (LeAnn) Mitchell of Simpsonville; daughter, Donna Gantt Ellis of Greenwood; grandsons, Richie (Ariel) Earle, Eric Earle, Travis Gantt and Hunter Mitchell and great-grandchildren; twins, Tayt and Raleigh Earle; brothers, Jack (Shirley) Mitchell of Abbeville and Billy (Jeanette) of Anderson; sister, Betty (Haskell) Moon of Anderson.
The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 1:30 pm at Gethsemane Baptist Temple, 6116 Highway 81 South, Starr, SC, conducted by the Reverend Sam Duncan and Dr. Bennie Speares. Interment will follow in M. J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors.
Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Gethsemane Baptist Temple, P.O. Box 13228, Anderson, SC 29624.
The family will be at the residence and will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.
Papa will be greatly missed by his caring and devoted family and many friends.
A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.
THE McDOUGALD FUNERAL HOME, Anderson.