Martin Hardin Mitchell
b. 19 September 1940, d. 19 February 1997
- Father: Russell Flewellen Mitchell b. 16 February 1905, d. 8 July 1965
- Mother: Dorothy Lee Garrard b. 11 January 1915, d. 21 November 2002
- Martin Hardin Mitchell was born on 19 September 1940 in Georgia.
- He was known as Buddy.
- The following appeared on 2 July 1991 in the Rome News-Tribune: Rome residents will be losing a real "Buddy" when Martin H. "Buddy" Mitchell steps down from public office.
The longtime Rome City Commission member (currently also its chairman) has announced that he will not seek re-election at the conclusion of his fourth full term. That will come to 16 years.
Mitchell gave his reason as it becing that it is "time for me to move on" and "continue with life." Certainly, he cannot be faulted for that. Few have contributed as much to public service and community.
Mitchell has served with distinction, all the while having plenty of other concerns to fill his time. He also runs a major business (Dellinger Inc.) and tends to the needs of his family.
His wisdom, his balance and his good sense of humor will be sorely missed in the City Commission's deliberations. There can be no dispute on that point. He has been a giant in city government.
While Mitchell certainly deserves a break from public involvement after so many years, it can be hoped that this will not be a permanent "vacation." Perhaps he will be back in time.
Mitchell said last week that he has "never had aspirations for elected office beyond serving the pepole of Rome." Perhaps he should. Maybe, after some time away, he will find he misses being able to influence and steer the future of the community as much as the community will miss his steady hand. At 50, he is yet a young man as political age is reckoned.
Mitchell has said he believes that "local office is the most important position a person can hold." He is correct, and those with that sense of commitment often find it hard to stand aside permanently.
Only through the active involvement of such good citizens as Martin H. "Buddy" Mitchell can a community ever prosper. He deserves the city's thanks for a job well done, his neighbors hope that he will enjoy his "time off" and best wishes for a speedy return. - Martin Hardin Mitchell died on 19 February 1997 at age 56 in Floyd County, Georgia.
- Last Edited: 9 Nov 2012