Russell Mitchem

June 29, 1954 - May 9, 2019

GLENWOOD - Russell Dean Mitchem, 64, went to rest high on his beloved mountain on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at home surrounded by his loving family. Russ was born, June 29, 1954, in Bluefield, West Virginia to the late Noble A. Mitchem and Helen Lusk Mitchem. Russ lived on Reese Harmon Ridge until recently when he relocated to The Villas at Lakeview, due to his declining health. He courageously fought a five-year battle against Multiple Myeloma. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his In-laws, James C. and Ruby Hodge Shrewsbury, sister, Ava Durham, and brothers-in-law, Thomas Allen, Robert Keatley, Jerry Bailey and David Shrewsbury. Those left to cherish his memory Include his wife of 42 years, Wanda Shrewsbury Mitchem, daughter, Kelli (Michael) Horner of Grand Blanc, Michigan, and son, Derek (Laura) Mitchem, of Princeton, West Virginia. Grandchildren: Hallie Carr; Bradley Horner; Ruby Horner; Kyleigh Mitchem and Aubreigh Mitchem. Brothers: Danny (Debbie) Mitchem and Jeffery Mitchem. Sisters: Glenda Allen; Joyce (Danny) Thorn; Donna (Harrison) Sizemore; Phyllis (Larry) Johnson. Sisters-in-law: Connie Keatley, Sandra Bailey and Charlotte Shrewsbury. Numerous nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle Russ”. Russ’s life-long best friend, Donald Green, and countless friends and colleagues. Russell was a graduate of Herndon High School, Concord University and Marshall University. He was a life-long educator and highly respected teacher, principal and coach. He was a classroom teacher and coach in Wyoming and Mercer Counties and retired as Assistant Principal at PikeView High School. Russell was a true West Virginia outdoorsman. He loved hunting, camping and riding his ATVs and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Most of all he loved spending time on this “beloved mountain”. A mountain that he generously shared with countless family members and friends. Russ was a very special man in so many ways: he never met a stranger; was generous with his time and talents; had a kind and loving heart; he was the special kind of uncle that every child needs; and was always there to help others. One could say that he was “one in a million”. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Chambers and her staff, The Angels on 4th Floor Outpatient Oncology of Princeton Community Hospital, the Ashworth Baptist Church family, Loving Therapist Alisha and Dawn, and Amedisys Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Russell’s memory to Ashworth Baptist Church, P.O. Box 5841, Princeton, WV 24740 or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 414238, Boston, MA 02241-4238. Pallbearers will be Donald Green, Melvin Caudle, Rick Byars, Johnathan Bennett, Craig Smith and Jason Bailey. Honorary Pallbearers will be Paul Gilley, James Hancock, Mark Godfrey, Benny Disibbio, Jerry Sink and Alvie Bailey. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 13, 2019, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton, West Virginia. Graveside rites in Roselawn Memorial Gardens will be conducted by Larry Bailey, Pastor of Ashworth Baptist Church, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Friends attending the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:45 a.m. Special music will be provided by Barry Bowman. Arrangements by Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. To view a video tribute to Mr. Mitchem, or share condolences with the family, please visit www.bailey-kirk.com.