His Lord said unto him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matthew 25:23

Just eight days shy of turning 91, Mitchell R. Waller of Hat Creek passed away peacefully at home on February 19, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. He was born on February 27, 1933 to the late Joe Mitchell and Pency Barksdale Waller. He was a member of Childrey Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Betty Sue Waller and Rachel Waller; granddaughter Christina Morris.

He was a hard worker from an early age, holding multiple jobs at once throughout his lifetime, in addition to being a lifetime logger. He cut timber for many years, only recently really retiring when he was in his 80's. He taught his family that "hard work never hurt anyone." He was an expert logger and billiards player. Playing eight ball with the Valley National Eight Ball Association, he played in the championship in Las Vegas, placing in the top 50.

Although not formally educated, with God's help he taught himself to read the Bible. After retiring, he was known for his gardening, growing sometimes 100's of tomato plants.

He is survived by his loving wife, June; daughters, Christy Elder (James) of Nathalie, Shelby Monroe (Danny) of Gladys, and Marie Morris (Doug) of Phenix; grandchildren, Cooper Elder and Jackson Elder, Amy Monroe and Devin Monroe, Ashley Morris, Brendan Morris, and Brett Morris; and sister, Helen Wooldridge of Lynchburg.  Also left to cherish his memory are special friends Stacy Tingen and Ericka Walker.

He was known as Poppa to many including Grace Cox, Nova Tingen, Avery Carwile, and Callan Thurman. These children quickly became family to Poppa, and he loved them dearly.