James Robert "Bob" Mitchell

James Robert “Bob” Mitchell Jr., 93, passed away on February 28th, 2023. Bob, along with his twin sister Fern, was born in Hazel Green, KY on September 21st, 1929. His parents, J. Robert Mitchell Sr. and Fern French Mitchell, moved the family to Livingston, TN and three years later, Bob’s younger brother Richard “Ossie” Mitchell was born. His early education was in Overton County elementary schools, but when Bob was 10, he came to Crossville to live with his uncle and aunt, Joe and Ruth Mitchell, finishing through the 10th grade in Cumberland County schools. For his junior and senior years of high school, he attended Tennessee Military Institute in Athens, TN. To prepare for pharmacy school, he completed two years at Tennessee Wesleyan College, then made his way to UT’s School of Pharmacy in Memphis. Graduating in 1952 with a degree in pharmacy, Bob returned to Crossville and began his career as a pharmacist at Mitchell Drug Company working alongside his uncle, Joe Mitchell. Soon after returning, Bob met Mary Lou Gates and began courting the young teacher from Celina, TN. They married on July 9th, 1955 and made their home in Crossville. She continued to teach in Cumberland County high schools until she became pregnant with their first child, James Joseph, born in 1962, and soon followed Elizabeth Ruth, born in 1964. Bob continued to work with his Uncle Joe at Mitchell’s and made many of his lifelong friends there. He knew that he could make an impact in his community and regularly did so as he opened the store for customers after hours for emergent situations or gave away medications to those in need. The store became a community within itself, where friends came to socialize. Mitchell Drug was truly a family business, and Bob considered each one of his employees part of his family. Being a civic-minded Christian, he used his influence to champion many other worthy causes. Bob and Mary Lou were longtime members of the First United Methodist Church of Crossville. Bob was a Mason of the 32nd order and was active in the Shriner’s organization, supporting the Shriner’s Hospital for many years. He and Mary Lou were longtime supporters of Cumberland County Playhouse, the Art Circle Public Library, the Boy Scouts of America, and the morning Crossville Rotary Club. Bob was a founding member of the Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce, served on the local Housing Authority Board for over 30 years, and was a member of the Cumberland County Election Commission. He, along with Mitchell Drug, sponsored many local school events, clubs and children’s sports teams. Bob was always interested and active in local, state and national politics. Although he never ran for political office himself, he actively campaigned for various politicians and served as campaign manager for US Congressman Joe L. Evins. He was a Democrat for life but had many friends, both Democrat and Republican. He loved to talk politics and tell stories with the coffee drinkers at the fountain at Mitchell Drug, considered by many to be the local Democratic Headquarters. Bob was always supportive of his family and loved his children dearly, Jim (wife, Jacquie) and Beth (husband, Jim). He was even more proud of his four grandchildren: Marissa (Kent), James, Grace (Colton), and Alex– asking about their latest hobbies, adventures or career moves whenever he could. He always had a funny story or encouraging word for anyone who would listen. Even as his health failed, Bob continued to be thankful for those around him who cared for him, including the staff at Good Samaritans. He made two calls daily, one to his wife of 67 years to check on her wellbeing and one to Mitchell’s to see if “they were busy.” Every time they said “yes,” it put the biggest grin on his face. Knowing he helped build and grow a well-known Crossville establishment gave him great satisfaction, but his biggest legacies- civic involvement, true friendship, and community- will remain as lessons for all of us well after his passing. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Bilbrey Funeral Home with burial to follow at Green Acres Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM prior to the service.