Reverend Cecil Gentry Mitchum

With grateful hearts for a life well lived, we share the passing of Cecil Gentry Mitchum, who went to be with the Lord on July 29, 2026 at almost 98 years of age. He passed away at Legacy Village at Plantation Manor, Thomasville, Georgia, where he has resided since 2023.

Cecil was born on August 16, 1928 in Augusta, Georgia to Cecil G. and Margaret Turner Mitchum. Both parents died early in his childhood and he was formally adopted and raised by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Mitchum.

Cecil was well educated, having earned an Associate degree from Anderson College, Bachelor of Arts from Furman University, Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Cecil married the former Marguerite Poole on June 8, 1957 and together they enjoyed 52 years of marriage, until her death in 2009. Two sons, Alvin Cecil and Timothy Steven were born to the Mitchums.

Rev. Cecil Mitchum pastored a number of churches, both full-time and as an interim including Brandenburg (Kentucky) Baptist Church, Chapel by the Sea (Tybee Island, Georgia) and in Anderson, South Carolina, Double Springs Baptist and Long Branch Baptist churches. Following his retirement from ministry, he served as Manager in the Business Office of Anderson College.

Rev. Mitchum was a member of and former adult Sunday school teacher at Boulevard Baptist Church, Anderson. He enjoyed a number of activities and older adult friendships there. Cecil was a life-long learner and maintained a curious mind until the end of his life. He enjoyed books, Bible study and subscribing to The Great Courses. Early in his adult life, he was trained in television/electronics repair and maintained similar interests all the way through modern technology.

Cecil was predeceased by his wife Marguerite Poole Mitchum. He is survived by sons, Alvin Mitchum of Rockville, Maryland and Tim Mitchum (Elizabeth) of Thomasville, Georgia. He was Gramps to Michael, Thomas and Will (Kaycie) Mitchum.

A memorial service will be held at Sullivan-King Mortuary, 3205 Highway 81, Anderson with internment to follow, Forest Lawn Memorial Park. His grandson, Rev. William Mitchum, will officiate.

The family is especially grateful to the staffs of Legacy Village, Thomasville and Georgia Hospice for loving care of Cecil.

Memorial gifts may be made to Boulevard Baptist Church, 700 Boulevard, Anderson, SC, 29621 https://onrealm.org/BoulevardBaptis/-/form/give/now .