Thomas Leon Mitchell was born January 22, 1959, in Prosperity, South Carolina, the son of Vivian Heller Mitchell and the late Booker Thomas Mitchell, Sr. He transitioned on Friday, November 25, 2022, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Thomas attended elementary school St. Martin de Porres Catholic School in Columbia and finished elementary school in Aviano, Italy. He returned to the states and graduated from Columbia High School in 1977. He continued his education and attended the Community College of the Airforce and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Limestone University in 2012.
Thomas enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1980 and retired in August 2000 while stationed at Charleston AFB, SC. During his service to our country, Thomas was a custodian of armor and artillery where he developed a love of guns and was a passionate gun collector. He ended his career in the military as a Behavior Health Specialist.
Thomas was employed with Norfolk Southern Railroad as a Conductor from 2000 to 2002.
At an early age, he attended St. Martin’s Catholic Church, where he was an altar boy and sang on the choir.
On August 2, 2003, he married his middle school girlfriend, DeAlva Taundolyn Suber. Thomas and Taundolyn loved to travel and were avid USC Women’s Gamecock fans. Thomas was a devoted father figure to his niece and nephew and was actively involved in every facet of their lives. His presence and involvement were well known, and he was recognized as “Uncle Thomas” by students, staff, and school personnel at every level.
Thomas also preceded in death by his brother Arthur; his twin sister, Rita Lynn; and his Paternal and Maternal grandparents.
Thomas leaves to mourn his passing, his loving and devoted wife, Dr. DeAlva Taundolyn Suber-Mitchell; very special guardian children, Nicholas and Natalie Carman of the home; his son, Isaac Leon (Miranda) Mitchell of Irmo SC; his loving mother, Vivian Heller Mitchell of Columbia, SC; loving sisters, Tracy Mitchell, and Patricia Mitchell, both of Columbia, SC; brothers, Booker Thomas (Tarcela) Mitchell, Jr. of Chesapeake, VA; John (Gail) Hampton of Charlotte, NC; and Ronnie (Jeanette) Thomas of Columbia, SC; two grandchildren, Elijah Mitchell and Dunasia English; one caring sister-in-law, Dr. Glenda Suber of West Columbia, SC; a host of loving aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces; cousins, and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.
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