Obituaries

Terry Mitchell was called home to the Lord on June 26th, at the age of 88. In his final days he was surrounded by friends and family and was fortunate enough to be able to share his love for them, God and his many friends.

Terry was born in Bassett, VA, and moved to Martinsville, VA at the age of 2, a place he would call home for the rest of his life. At Martinsville High School, Terry played basketball and football and was class Vice President. He was also a member of the Melody Boys, a dixie-land jazz band, where he played his beloved trombone. After graduating High School, he studied Industrial Engineering at Virginia Tech, where he was a starting freshman on the basketball team and played in the Highty-Tighties military band. After college, he served three years in the Army, stationed in Aschaffenburg Germany, where he was in the 3rd Medical Battalion Company A, 3rd Infantry Division. Some of Terry’s fondest memories while on temporary duty was when he was able to join the Marching Band and the Basketball Team for the 7th Army Corps.

After returning home from service, Terry went to work for his family’s business, Mitchell Howell Ford. His father had passed when he was just 19, leaving him with big shoes to fill. Though the early years were not without youthful insecurities, Terry's acceptance of Christ changed the course of his life and allowed him to grow the business and become a successful President. The dealership remained in the family for over 50 years, becoming a calling, he loved and deeply enjoyed.

In 1964, Terry married the love of his life, Beatrice “Bea” Wood, they enjoyed playing golf, tennis and bridge together, and spending time with friends. In 1966, they welcomed their daughter Kelli, followed three years later by their son Christopher. Terry was an amazing father that spent time with his kids teaching them sports and music and getting them involved with the church and the car dealership. Terry was a life-long Hokie fan and the family enjoyed going to many Virginia Tech sporting events over the years. Terry and Bea’s children were their greatest pride and they took every opportunity to let them know how loved they were.

Terry was an active member of First United Methodist Church. He was President of the Methodist Men, twice the Lay Leader of the church, twice the Staff Parish Chairman and sang in the choir for 48 years. He co-founded and chaired the church’s soup kitchen, now known as the Lunch Bunch and Food Pantry, which remains a thriving part of the church’s ministry today. He also served with the Good News Prison ministry for 46 years since the start of the Martinsville chapter. Serving others in this way was a true expression of his faith and love for his community. In the last couple years, he has enjoyed Bible studies and fellowship with Foothills Church.

Terry also had a vibrant and active life outside of work and church, serving on the Martinsville First Savings Bank Board of Directors for 46 years, the Patrick & Henry Community College Board of Directors, the King’s Grant Retirement Community Board of Directors, as an active member and regular exhibitor of Piedmont Arts and often playing golf and tennis. His love of music was core to his being - playing piano, guitar, trombone, upright bass and electric bass, enjoying daily music practice up until this year.

In retirement, Terry became a master woodturner, using the lathe and hand tools to create beautiful art forms. He especially appreciated working with burl woods and found great joy in teaching others this craft. His gentleness and patience made him an exceptional teacher. Terry was a founding member of Studio 107, an artisan working studio, which named the gallery in his honor this month—a gesture that deeply touched him.

Terry found immeasurable joy in his five grandchildren, who lovingly adopted their own monikers for him: “G-Dad” and “Ter-Bear.” Terry’s quiet strength and steady faith were a constant example to them, shaping their lives in ways both seen and unseen. He modeled a life of kindness, humility, and trust in God. In his final days, Terry was able to pray, sing and laugh with each of his grandchildren, leaving them with a legacy of faith and love that will guide them always.

Terry is survived by his children, Kelli Mitchell-Digges and her husband Sasha Digges, Jr., Christopher Mitchell and his wife Holly Mitchell; and grandchildren Mitchell and Bryce Digges, and Jack, Madeleine and Brynn Mitchell; sisters, Mona Lindsey, Nonnye Durham and Peggy Coetzee. Terry is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Bea Mitchell, and parents James Clyde Mitchell and Elva B. Mitchell.

The family will receive friends at the First United Methodist Church, 146 East Main Street, Martinsville, VA, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 12:00 PM Noon, followed by a funeral service beginning at 1:30 PM and then a reception in the Fellowship Hall. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church “Lunch Bunch”, 146 East Main Street, Martinsville, VA 24112 or Studio 107-FMA, 105 E Church Street, Martinsville, VA 24112.

Arrangements are by McKee-Stone Funeral Home.