At 1:00 P.M. on Saturday evening, October 24th, 2020, the Collinwood American Legion Post 254 and Waynesboro Post 130 performed a Bridge Dedication Ceremony in honor of the late Maynard Marvin Mitchell, a Retired Air Force Veteran. The ceremony was held at the bridge spanning Little Beech Creek on Old Beech Creek Road with many family members, friends, and dignitaries in attendance.
The event started with the Benediction offered by Post 254 Chaplain Gary Anderson which was followed with the Posting of the Colors and National Anthem. Next, family members came forward and shared their memories of Mr. Mitchell and the Mitchell family. Next, State Representative David Byrd read and presented a Proclamation which was prepared and signed by the Tennessee House of Representatives Speaker of the House, Cameron Sexton and State Representative Byrd, honoring the memory of the late Maynard Marvin Mitchell and his lifelong service and contributions to his country, his family, and our community.
Next, Wayne County Mayor Jim Mangubat had the honor of reading the following biography and County Bridge Naming Resolution:
Maynard Marvin Mitchell, the son of Richard Harlan and Bernice Helton Mitchell, was born on November 23, 1930 in Hagerstown, Indiana. He was united in marriage to Nellie Mae Beaty on February 25, 1951 in Adel, Georgia. They had four children: Richard, Thomas, Michael, and Shirley.
Maynard left high school in 1947 at the age of 17 years and shortly after joined the United States Air Force on February 11, 1948. During his time in the Air Force, Maynard performed overseas duty in France, along with service in Alaska and various other Air Force Bases in the United States.
Maynard attained the rank of Technical Sergeant and held military positions as Motor Transportation Supervisor and Administrative Supervisor. Then, in 1962, Tech Sergeant Mitchell became disabled and was medically retired on January 31, 1963. His military awards include the Good Conduct Medal with four Bronze Loops, American Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.
After retirement from the service, Maynard and his family made their home in Melborne, Florida where he owned and operated Mitchell’s TV and Appliance store and then later operated Action Photography Studio for many years. He also loved assisting in the local High School Rodeo and flying airplanes.
Maynard moved to Waynesboro in 1999 so he could be close to his children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. He became active in the community as a volunteer firefighter for Beech Creek Fire Department, as well as a volunteer for the Wayne County Senior Citizens Center. He was awarded the Wayne County Volunteer of the Month award in March, 2014. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, tree farming, and wood working among many other things.
Maynard departed this life on April 8, 2018 at the age of 87 years, 4 months, and 8 days. He is laid to rest in the Warren Cemetery on Old Beech Creek Road, Waynesboro, TN.
Mr. Mitchell was an outstanding citizen in our community. He honorably served his country, raised a wonderful family, and contributed greatly to his community. It is with great honor that I read the following resolution dedicating this Bridge to his memory.
WHEREAS: It has been proposed to the Wayne County Commission that the bridge spanning Little Beech Creek on Old Beech Creek Road be dedicated to the memory of Technical Sergeant Maynard Marvin Mitchell.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Legislative Body of Wayne County, Tennessee meeting in regular session on the 20th day of April, 2020 that the bridge spanning Little Beech Creek on Old Beech Creek Road be named the “TECH SERGEANT MAYNARD MARVIN MITCHELL, UNITED STATES AIRFORCE, MEMORIAL BRIDGE.”
APPROVED: By unanimous Vote, Wayne County Commission
ATTEST: Stan Horton, County Court Clerk
SIGNED: Jim Mangubat, County Mayor
After the citation was read, family members came forward and unveiled the Memorial Sign which was followed by a 21-Gun Salute and playing of Taps, conducted by the Collinwood Post 254 Honors Team in Honor of Tech Sergeant Mitchell.
We are all very thankful for Mr. Mitchell’s military service, and it is our hope that all who pass by the memorial signs on Old Beech Creek Road will pause and think about Tech Sergeant Mitchell, for his honorable and faithful service to our country, his devotion to family, and his dedicated service to our community. He will never be forgotten.—Submitted by: Randy Chambers, Adjutant, American Legion Post 254. Photos courtesy of Peggy Chambers.
