David was born in San Francisco in1961 to Betty Cox Mitchell and Leon Willard Mitchell. His brother Gary was born two years later. David spent the first 14 years of his life growing up in San Francisco in a time when children could roam the city and had to be home when the streetlights came on.
In 1975, David moved with his mother and brother to Bridle Creek Virginia, his mother’s family homeplace where his grandmother, Ruth Halsey Cox, still lived. David cherished his time growing up in Independence with cousins and friends. In his adult life, David was very proud to call Independence home and brought many friends to the mountains to show them his Grayson Home.
David leaves behind his dear friend and partner for life, Charles Mahone. David and Charles were together for 33 years. They loved to travel and cruise together, making friends wherever they went. David also leaves behind his brother and wife, Gary and Susan Mitchell and their children, Lucas and Mary Mitchell.
David earned a degree from Old Dominion University then pursued a 30 plus year career in the hospitality industry with Marriott Hotels. He loved life, especially his family and friends. David had a passion for music, particularly Karen Carpenter and jazz, and could often be found helping elderly neighbors do their shopping.
David will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends who all loved David.
A service will be held 2pm Saturday, December 9th, at Bridle Creek United Methodist church in Independence, Virginia, with a light meal to follow at the church. The burial will be the following day at Saddle Creek Cemetery in Independence, with just family attending.