Wendell R. Mitchem Sr., 71, of Mathews, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, Gloucester, Virginia. Wendell lived his life to the fullest being large and in charge wherever he went and with whatever he was doing. He was the owner and operator of Mitchem’s Hauling & Excavating.

He was predeceased by his wife, Deborah Major Mitchem; his father and mother, Russell Garrett Mitchem and Ruth Rainier Mitchem Robins; his stepdad, James Roger Robins, and a brother, Neal Robins.

Wendell is survived by a daughter, Wendy Burch (Jerry); his son, Wendell Mitchem Jr. (Chelsea); a brother, Jim Mitchem (Misa); a brother, Jimmy Robins; grandchildren, Allison Payne (Skyler), Avary Payne, John Robert Sears, Joseph Sears, Ashlynn Sears, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021 at 11 a.m. in Gwynn’s Island Cemetery, Gwynn, Virginia. At the request of the family, all in attendance were asked to wear an appropriate face covering. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mathews Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 1130, Mathews, Va. 23109, the Middlesex Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 71, Urbanna, Va. 23175 or to the Mathews Little League, P.O. Box 1001, Mathews, Va. 23109.

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, assisted the family.