John Blair Mitchell Sr. May 2, 1940 – June 19, 2026 John Blair Mitchell Sr. was born in Roanoke, Virginia, to Charles Manning Mitchell and Anna Louise Bell Mitchell, and grew up alongside his cherished sister, Jean Mitchell Carpenter. For more than fifty years, he shared a devoted and joyful marriage with his beloved wife, Maude Wynn Myers Mitchell. John earned a notable place in local history as a member of the first graduating class of Cave Spring High School. He continued his education at the Virginia Military Institute, where he balanced the demands of cadet life with playing football and completing a B.S. in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army and served in the elite Special Forces. Following his military service, John became the Resident Engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the construction of the Gathright Dam—an ambitious project that resulted in the creation of Lake Moomaw in Alleghany County. In 1968, John co‑founded Hammond‑Mitchell, Inc. with the late Frank H. Hammond III. The heavy civil construction firm they built together continues to thrive today, a testament to their shared vision, work ethic, and leadership. Later in life, John embraced his love of the land, spending many fulfilling years engaged in farming and ranching across the landscapes of Virginia and Wyoming. John is survived by his wife, Maude Wynn Mitchell; his children, Laura Lee MacDougall (Dr. James Howard MacDougall) and John Blair Mitchell, Jr. (Noreen Mitchell); and four grandchildren: Ashby Scott McGarry Dauber (Ben Dauber), Thomas John “Jack” McGarry (Kelly McCafferty McGarry), McKenna Mitchell Reed (John Reed), and John Blair “Mitch” Mitchell III. He is also survived by three great‑grandchildren—Wynn Scott Dauber, Murphy Jane Reed, and JR Reed—who will carry his memory forward. In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A service honoring John’s life will be held at a later date at Arritt Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to make a gesture of remembrance consider a memorial gift to the Virginia Military Institute. Arritt Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.
