Pastor Willie Calvin Mitchell Sr.

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 4:19

Pastor Willie Calvin Mitchell Sr., also known as “Fat Boy”, 68, of Lynchburg, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 27, 2023. Willie was born on June 4, 1955 to the late Rev. Robert Mitchell and Velma Thornhill Mitchell.

Pastor Mitchell graduated from E.C. Glass High School and later went on to Eastern Theological Seminary where he graduated with a bachelors degree.

Pastor Mitchell was the Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Bedford Va. for 10 years up until his passing. He enjoyed preaching and teaching and did not mind stepping on anyone’s toes. As long as he was preaching, thus said the Lord. When Willie was not preaching, he had several hobbies he enjoyed including, fishing, bowling, working on his cars, and his culinary arts skills. Willie worked at R.R. Donnelly for over 25 years until his retiring. He later went on to work for the transportation department for Lynchburg City Schools.  He volunteered with Lynchburg Parks and Rec. where he was a basketball coach for many years. But above all he loved his loving wife and family.

In addition to Willie’s parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Karen “Kay” Sheppard.

Willie is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Annette B. Mitchell; children, Maurice Booker (Latashia), Willie Mitchell Jr., and Shamika Douglas (Rev. Barry Douglas Jr.); grandchildren, Josiah Douglas and Jayla Douglas; brothers, Robert Kendrick, Garrison Thornhill (Gayle), Bernard Mitchell Sr. (Brenda) and Carl Mitchell; sisters, Rev. Hazel Scott and Verna Berry; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Tharp Funeral Home with Pastor Troy Anderson, officiating, and Bishop George Gohanna, eulogist. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023 at Tharp Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Forest Hill Burial Park following the service.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.