Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Miller,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Henry County.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 4, 2022

My grand father, George Whittle Mitchell, was the son of John Hughes Mitchell, and was quite young when his father, and my great grandfather, was shot and killed. I grew up hearing the story of his being ambushed and the hardship it caused for the family and how my grandfather dropped out of school to help support thr family. I grew up to know my great grandmother and she was quite a character and lived to a ripe old age. Hearing about my great grandfather was one reason I sought a degree in “Administration of Justice and Public Safety” from VCU and then on to law school and the practice of law for the past 39 years. I once took my grandfather and grandmother Mitchell to Martinsville for a ceremony where local fallen officers were honored. It meant a lot to my grandfather. It is my understanding from info handed down to me that a individual in the 1940’s supposedly confessed to being one of the gunmen who did the shooting. My grandfather named one of his sons (my uncle), Hughes; I’m sure in honor of his father.

Steven P. Roadcap
Great grandson to John Hughes Mitchell

February 15, 2018

John Hughes Mitchell was my great-grandfather. I grew up listening to the story of how he was killed and his heroism. He is like a legend to me as I never knew him, but I do have memories of "Mama Mitchell" his wife who I greatly admired. She died when I was about 16 years old but I would visit her every time I visited my grandparents who lived two houses down. She lectured me about obeying my parents and that was the reason she had lived such a long life-it was a biblical promise. She was a strong, smart woman, and according to my mother Mama Mitchel was a wonderful grandmother to her.

Carolyn (Cole) Bonanno
Great grand-daughter

January 20, 2016

Aunt Mary was my grandmothers older sister. They lived together in their eighties. Very sweet woman.

Kenny Smith

December 14, 2015

She was a great lady , I remember her going from the garden up the old wooden stairs to cook on the wood stove . How times have changed.

J. Harris
Great grand son

December 20, 2013

John Hughes Mitchell was my great great grandpa. I didn't know him but Grandma Mitchell I knew well. She passed when she was almost one hundred years old. I knew he was a brave man and she was a strong woman. Grandpa Mitchell's badge was passed down to me and I still have it in rememberance of him. I have seen his picture many times in the sheriff's office. I would have loved to have grown up knowing him.

Anita Stovall Hagood
great great granddaughter of John Hughes Mitchell

February 5, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 78th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 4, 2010

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 5, 2008

May you continue to rest in eternal peace.

Senior Officer D.W.Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. PD

May 4, 2007

You have not been forgotten.Thank you for your service.

May 4, 2006