William T. Mitchell Jr., 87

LEWES - William T. Mitchell Jr., of Lewes, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford, surrounded by his family. He was 87.

He was born Oct. 10, 1920, in Chester, Pa., son of the late William Mitchell Sr. and the late Clara Edna (Hastings) Mitchell.

Mr. Mitchell retired in 1978 after 28 years as a crash rescue firefighter with the Dover Air Force Base.

Following retirement he owned William T. Mitchell & Son Painting for 10 years.

Mr. Mitchell served in the Philippines during World War II with the U.S. Army.

He was a former member of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department.

He enjoyed traveling, carving decoys and, most importantly, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Mr. Mitchell was predeceased by his wife, Delma Elizabeth Mitchell, in 1996.

He is survived by his daughter, Judy Carpenter of Virginia Beach, Va.; four sons, Robert Mitchell and his wife Peggy Anne of Salisbury, Md., Wayne Mitchell and his wife Jackie of Rehoboth Beach, William T. Mitchell III and wife Linda of Pennington, N.J., and James Mitchell of Lewes; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Hitchens of Laurel, and Peggy White of Lewes; and a brother, Pete Mitchell of New Hampshire.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call one hour prior.

Pastor Charlie Arnold will officiate.

Interment will be at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 327, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.