Raymond Dwain Mitchell

Raymond Dwain Mitchell, 78, died Wednesday, August 4, 2010 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He leaves his wife of 54 years, Daphina Mitchell; his son, Dwain Mitchell and wife Deanna Mitchell; his son, Dwight Mitchell and wife Brandy Mitchell; and one grandson, Jonathan Mitchell, all of Fayetteville. Raymond was a charter member and deacon at Ridgeview Baptist Church and a life long participant and promoter of Southern Gospel Music in the region. He was a member of numerous quartets including The Ridgeviews, The Hartfords and others. After graduating from Huntsville High School, he attended the University of Arkansas, earning a bachelor's degree in Education. His working life after school was full of adventure, including being stationed in Alaska during the Korean conflict with the United States Air Force, teaching at Elkins High School, serving as a Washington County Deputy Sheriff, working for many years for Frontier Airlines, and finally retiring from a long career in oil and gas marketing in Northwest Arkansas that started with Mitchell Oil Company. Raymond had a love for family and friends, always ready for his chance to entertain with stories and singing, and when away from those he loved he had a passion for his flowerbeds, spending hours working in his short retirement years in his gardens. Visitation with his family will be held on Friday, August 6 from 5 to 7 at Beard's Chapel, followed by a funeral at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 7 at Ridgeview Baptist Church and interment at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. Memorials may be made to Ridgeview Baptist Church in Fayetteville 1750 Huntsville Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701 Online condolences may be made to the family at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.