Walter Mitchell

Mr. Walter “Shorty” Mitchell, 94, of Claudville, VA, passed away Sunday afternoon, April 21, 2024, at his home.  Mr. Mitchell was born August 30, 1929, in Patrick County, VA, one of five children born to the late Bob and Lucy Chaney Mitchell.  Shorty worked as a machinist in the textile industry for many years.   In 1975, he opened the family gristmill, Mitchell’s Mill, in Claudville, VA.  His work in the gristmill brought true joy to him until its closing in 2020.  As a young person, he made a profession of Christian faith and was active in the local church.  With a servant’s heart, he served as a member and Sunday school teacher at Grace Moravian Church.  He also served the church on numerous committees, as well as making multiple mission trips.  Shorty shared his gifts and talents as a volunteer and staff member at Yokefellow Ministry.  He picked up grocery donations from the local grocery stores to stock the shelves in the food pantry, which allowed Yokefellow to feed the hungry.  Additionally, he drove disabled veterans to their appointments through his volunteer work with the Disabled American Veterans.  In all, he was a selfless man whose passing left an unfillable gap in the hearts of his loved ones.  He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Cheryle and Grady Carroll, III; a son, Gary Mitchell; his grandchildren, Mendy and Scotty Donnelly, Summer and Jeffrey Stephens, and Grady Carroll, IV and Ashley Carroll; his great-grandchildren, Madison Barlow, Reese Cline, Trey Stephens, Gabriel Cline, Emily Carroll, and Maggie Carroll; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Mitchell was preceded in death by his wife, Faith Boyd Mitchell; a sister, Nonnie Mitchell; and three brothers, Murrey Mitchell, Tommy Mitchell, and George Mitchell.  A service of worship and celebration of Shorty’s life will be held Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 4:00 PM at Grace Moravian Church, with the Rev. Andrew Heil and Pastor Chad Harrison officiating.  The family will receive friends Sunday from 3:00 until 4:00 PM at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Yokefellow Ministry, 461 North South Street, Mount Airy, NC  27030.   Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.