NEWPORT NEWS - Ernest Leigh Mitchell, 67, passed away from his courageous battle against cancer and in the hands of his loving wife and the caring staff of Hampton Sentara Careplex at 6:35 AM, July 31, 2013. Mitch married his high school sweetheart, Charlotte J. Queen Mitchell and together they lived and traveled in Europe and the Far East for over 24 years. Mitch was a veteran of the Vietnam War and a dedicated Army Soldier who not only served his nation with exceptional duty but with great devotion. After his 23 year Army career, Mitch continued his service for the government for another 10 years as a Federal Employee working in Heidelberg, Germany and at HQ TRADOC, Fort Monroe before retiring in 2009. Mitch continued his love for the military by serving as a volunteer in support of the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen passing through the USO in the Newport News/Williamsburg Airport. Once a year, Mitch took pleasure in supporting the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Peninsula Chapter 682 team members in the annual Walk to End Alzheimers. Mitch supported many of his favorite organizations such as the Food Bank of Virginia, the USO and the Peninsula SPCA. He especially loved his little dogs, Copper and Casey, and enjoyed his backyard filled with wildlife. Throughout his life it was the simple pleasures that meant most to him along with the love of his life-long friends. The Mitchell family wants to thank these special friends; the Lubavs, John and Zena, the Powells, Wes and Jonnette, the Cramers, Charlie and Judy and most of all the Carters, John and Melony who have been by his side for over 40 years supporting him around the world with friendship and love during the good and most difficult times in his life. The family also thanks Nurse Lesley Ferguson and Dr. David Chang of Virginia Oncology for the special care provided to Mitch over the last three years. In addition to his wife, Charlotte, he is survived by his son, Eric and his lovely wife Audrey, his grandsons Kevin Mitchell, Tony, Earl, and Jordan Trent of Baltimore, his brother Bev F. Mitchell and his wife Mary of Orlando along with three nephews and one niece. Mitch donated his eyes to the Virginia Eye Bank and requested in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to any one of his favorite organizations or the American Cancer Society. Memorial service will be held at the Peninsula Funeral Home on 11144 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, 8 Aug, 2013 at 6:00 pm.