Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
ALLENDALE - Arthur Herbert Mitchell, 88, of Allendale, passed away at his residence on Friday, October 18, 2024, after an extended illness.
Arthur was born on June 23, 1936, in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Francis and Alice Mitchell. He was a 1954 graduate of North Quincy High School in Quincy, Massachusetts. Arthur ran track in high school and later completed the Boston Marathon in 1956 and 1958. After high school, he went on to attend Boston College. In 1956, he was enlisted in the United States Army, in which he served for two years. Arthur then finished his undergraduate education at Boston University. Thereafter, he received his doctorate in Irish history from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Arthur went on to become a college history professor and retired as a full professor from the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie. Early in life, Arthur developed a passion for Ireland and Irish history, including the Irish as they spread throughout the world. Dr. Mitchell was the author of many books on the Irish, in addition to books about the Korean War and Berchtesgaden, Germany during World War II. Arthur spent many happy summers in Ireland, and would often travel to other countries in Europe, and around the world.
Dr. Mitchell is survived by his wife, Marie, of the home; his daughter, Grainne (Joe Gray) of Estill; and grandchildren, Liam, Virginia, and Miles. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Gerry and Jane Croke; brother-in-law Bernard Leahy, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Maurice and Theresia Leahy, brother-in-law Michael Leahy, sister-in-law Anne Armitage, sister-in-law Concepta Clabby, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Nuncy and Ted Kennedy, and many nieces and nephews. Arthur was predeceased by his sister Helen Leonard, brother-in-law William Gerry, brother-in-law Dr. James Leonard, brother-in-law Kenneth Croke, sister-in-law Sarah Leahy, sister-in-law Barbara Leahy, and brother-in-law Kevin Clabby.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 3457 Bluff Road, Allendale, S.C. 29810, followed by burial at Lawtonville Cemetery in Estill, S.C.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorials to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, c/o St. Andrew’s Church, 110 Madison Street, Barnwell, S.C. 29812 or to Special Olympics South Carolina, 204 Palmetto Park Boulevard, Lexington, S.C. 29072.
Keith Smith Funeral Service of Allendale is assisting the family with arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www.keithsmithfuneralservice.com.
