Oswald "Lem" Mitchum

Oswald “Lem” Mitchum, age 83, passed away peacefully on February 7th, 2020 at Vidant Edgecombe Hospital in Tarboro, NC.

He was born in Berkeley County, SC on April 26, 1936 the son of Douglas and Agnes Mitchum.

He met his loving wife of 30 years, Rita Ann Mitchum on a blind date through family and soon was married to the love of his life. They lived among family in Georgia, South Carolina and then moved to North Carolina to be near some of his children. He was a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Lem loved to paint as this was a passion that both he and Rita shared. Each time they moved to be closer to family, he would leave paintings in the attic for the new owners to enjoy and in hopes one day that they may be hung in a gallery someday. He was a sportsman who loved the outdoors. His homes always had spectacular gardens and ponds which he built himself, making his yards a sight of beauty to sore eyes. He loved to bake his famous fudge and cheesecakes that made many people happy. He also would take them to the nursing home in Tarboro for all to enjoy. By trade Lem was a carpenter. He loved to build things, refinish older furniture and build a more pleasant neighborhood in Portadale where he purchased many homes renovated and rented.

Lem who was also referred to as “Mitch” is survived by his wife Rita Ann Mitchum; four children- Kathy Lynn Mitchum and fiancé Gregory Wayne Owens of Macclesfield; Petrice Mitchum of Tarboro; Christopher Douglas Mitchum and wife Linda; Stephen Douglas Mitchum and wife, Kris;12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; brother Douglas Ferrell Mitchum and his wife,Cathy; two sisters Beverly Jackson and husband Don and Jackie Gamble, all of which gave him an extended family that blessed him with many nieces and nephews; and a special son-in-law, Charles Barfield who was a true companion to Lem.

A Celebration of life service will be held at Russell Funeral Chapel in Moncks Corner on Saturday, February 29th at 3:00 PM with visitation starting at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked for Memorial donations to be made to the American Cancer Society or the SPCA.