In Memory of
Dr. Charles A. Mitchell

A Tribute to a Hero and Healer

The Greatest Generation has lost another honorable member. Charles Austin Mitchell, age 101, beloved doctor and active member of the community joined his loving wife Annie Martin of 65 years in heaven on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 surrounded by his friends and family.

Born October 1, 1920 to Almont Mitchell and Marie Hollingsworth Mitchell in Whiteville, Tennessee he is already dearly missed by his children and grandchildren and legions of Sparta citizens who as their family doctor considered him a member of their own family. His presence as a caring MD in the Sparta area is legendary; a surgeon and family practitioner who was well known throughout the region for his compassionate care, unflagging dedication to patients, and the art of healing. 

Dr. Mitchell always set his standards high. As a young commander in WWII right out of college, Capt. Mitchell became a hero to his men and to his country receiving a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, and 4 Battle Stars for bravery and leadership well beyond the call of duty during the Battle of the Bulge. The nation of Belgium bestowed upon him the title of Honorary Member of the “Fraternite d’Anciennes Combattants” and he was celebrated and commemorated with a plaque and historical marker saluting 526th AIB “A Company” at Chateau de Grimonster in Ferrieres, Belgium near the Battle of Stavelot. As president of “Veterans of the 526th” he was selected by “Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge” to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia. He is still praised and called a hero by those of his men who survive and their families who keep in touch with their esteemed and much-loved Capt. Mitchell. His heroism and strategic military decisions during WWII have been documented in several books, historical writings, and war journals. There is a display of memorabilia from Capt. Mitchell’s WWII career at the Veterans Museum of White County in Sparta, Tennesse.

Dr. Mitchell’s civic contributions are many. He was a long-time member of the Sparta Rotary Club serving as president three times, was a major donor to the Rotarian Foundation, and a founding contributor to Veterans Park of Sparta where he is represented on the Wall of Honor. He has been recognized as “Citizen of the Year” and “Rotarian of the Year” and been celebrated for his years of service to the community. He was the first Chief of Staff for White County Community Hospital and instrumental in establishing their Red Cross Blood Mobile Program. He was a long-time member of the White County Chamber of Commerce serving as Chairman of the Board, an active contributor on the Board of Trustees for the White County Library, and a founding donor to Sparta Recreational Park. He was a Member of the Board for United Methodist Church and a Sunday school teacher for over 50 years, a certified Master Gardener who wrote a column in the “Sparta Expositor” for many years, a governing member on the Board of Directors for Burgess Falls State Park, and avid supporter of his alma mater University of Tennessee with gifts and volunteer work. On his 100th birthday, the mayor and city of Sparta officially proclaimed October 1 as “Dr. Charles Mitchell Day.”

He is survived by his children Virginia Marie “Jennarie” Zarka, Dr. Charles Austin Mitchell Jr. and wife Janis, and Robert Almont Mitchell and wife Jane; his grandchildren Roman Zarka, Jessica Zarka Calcote, Almont “Monty” Mitchell, Dr. Charles “Austin” Mitchell III, Aaron Mitchell, Ayse Mitchell, Estelle Mitchell, and Annie Mitchell; nephews Robert, William and Charles Jolley; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is predeceased by his wife Annie Martin Lauderdale Mitchell and his sister Virginia Mitchell Jolley.

 A lover of the arts and music (particularly opera) and an accomplished reciter of classical poetry much to the joy of his family, Dr. Mitchell was a world traveler who sought to learn and enjoy the beauty and gifts of other cultures and will be remembered as a man of courage, wisdom, and civility who earned the love and respect of all who knew him for his unselfish contributions, his extraordinary spirit, and that irrepressible “joie de vivre” which was with him up until his very last days on this earth.