Robert “Bob” Mitchell

It is with a mixture of love, laughter, and tears that we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Mitchell on February 11, 2025, 4:20am, in Cary, North Carolina, at the age of 64. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on January 13, 1961, Bob lived a life full of laughter, adventure, and a contagious zest for life.

Bob was the beloved husband of Kathy Mitchell, the proud father of Baron Mitchell and Whitney Aguilar (formerly Whitney Mitchell), and father-in-law to Concepcion Aguilar Perez. He leaves behind his treasured grandchildren: Cruz, Ainsley, and Juniper Aguilar, as well as his loyal canine companions, Jackson and Tater.

The Love of His Life for 20 years, Bob shared his life with his true love, Kathy. Their bond, celebrated in their 15 years of marriage, was built on laughter, adventure, and a shared passion for live music, especially the Los Lonely Boys. Bob, known for his grand gestures, made their first Valentine’s Day unforgettable. He sent Kathy on a scavenger hunt, with each stop offering a clue and a token: a visit to an attorney’s office in Clayton (whose name happened to be Rose), a stop at Rose’s boutique where she received a scarf, a snack and a rose from White Castle, a drink at a bar in a sketchy neighborhood, and a final romantic dinner with Bob. It was the perfect reflection of the fun, thoughtful, and creative love they shared.

As a father, Bob was known as “Daddio.” His devotion to his children, Baron and Whitney, was unwavering. When they were kids, he would drive from St. Louis to Alabama on Fridays to pick them up for the weekend, only to turn around and make the drive back on Sundays. Oftentimes, they would bring friends, and Bob was also a father figure to many of them. He was known for giving them funny, quirky nicknames (just ask “Bama,” and his sister, “Bama Lite”). His love and support extended beyond his immediate family, and his home was always open to those who needed it.

As a grandfather, Bob was known as “G-Diddy,” a title that was well-earned as he delighted in chasing his grandson, Cruz, while playfully threatening to hold him by his ankles to shake the change out of his pockets. His deep love for his grandchildren shone through in every moment spent with them, and he had a special place in his heart for his first granddaughter, Ainsley. Bob was also able to meet his youngest grandchild, Juniper, and proudly declared, “She looks like me!” It was a moment of joy that the family will cherish.

Bob’s love for his dogs was constant throughout his life, and he took pride in training them. He loved to tell the story about how Sydog would escape, but he was so well trained to sit before crossing the street that neighbors would see this dog out for a walk by himself, sitting at an intersection before crossing.  In his later years, he took a softer approach. He could often be found making an extra egg for Jackson and Tater when preparing his own breakfast—because they deserved nothing less.

Bob was known for his diverse group of lifelong friends, each one cherished deeply. He made sure to keep in touch, even across long distances, whether it was helping a friend move, coming into town for a friends’ annual Christmas party, or visiting his best friend from second grade in Washington D.C. His friendships were built on a foundation of loyalty, humor, and genuine care. He was also known for being a mentor, especially to those looking to break into the business he knew so well. Bob was passionate about helping people, and in his time as a mortgage banker he was passionate about helping people purchase homes, even in cases where another mortgage banker wouldn’t be willing to put in the work to make it happen. His generosity of spirit and his deep belief in helping others achieve their dreams left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Bob loved a good deal—there was nothing that made him happier than getting the most out of his money. Every year, he would make his family wait until the holiday sale on charcoal, then he’d buy enough to last the entire summer just so he wouldn’t have to pay full price. And while Bob enjoyed grilling and hosting family gatherings, at least half of that charcoal was used to make chicken treats for his dogs, which he would tell you is a deal compared to the price per pound of regular dog treats.

Bob’s greatest achievements were found not in accolades or awards but in the connections he made with the people around him. Whether through his love for travel, his sense of adventure, or his uncanny ability to build lifelong friendships, Bob was the kind of person who made everyone feel like family. His stories, while often repeated with great enthusiasm, always had a way of making you feel like it was the first time you’d heard them. And, on rare occasions, he’d surprise you with one you’d never heard before.

Though there will be no formal service, the family hopes to connect with all those whose lives Bob touched in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that any gifts be made in the form of donations to the Rett Syndrome Research Trust, a cause near and dear to Bob’s heart.

https://rettgive.org/ campaigns/bob-mitchell- memorial-fundraiser/

Bob’s spirit, laughter, and warm heart will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He may no longer be with us in person, but his stories, his love, and his laughter will echo in our hearts forever.