McLean Mitchell (Mack) died on February 17, 2023 at the age of 95.
He was predeceased by his wife, Hazel McKeel Mitchell, his five siblings, Nicholas Worth Mitchell, Marion Mitchell Daves, Geraldine Mitchell Warren, Wilson Walker Mitchell, Emily Mitchell Williamson; and one nephew Nicholas W. Mitchell, Jr. He was a native of Winston-Salem, NC and the son of Annie Walker Mitchell and Nicholas Mitchell. He is survived by nine nieces and nephews: Shirley Mitchell Snow (Jim), Nicholas Daves (Elaine) and Jane Williamson Helvey (Jay) all from Winston-Salem; Weston Warren of Aiken, SC; Meriel Mitchell Gregory of Atlanta, GA; Melissa Daves Johnson (Steve) of Spartanburg, SC; Jeffrey Warren of Ashburn, Va; Ann Williamson Peterson (Bill) of Sandy, Utah; and Scott Williamson (Colleen) of Fredericksburg, Va.
Mack was a 1949 graduate of Davidson College and held a Master’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. In 1953 he was awarded a post-masters fellowship in humanities from Columbia University. Mack was a legendary teacher at Reynolds High School, Forsyth Country Day School and the Career Center for 44 years, often encountering multiple generations of families in his classes. He was a captivating speaker on American and European history. He made topics come alive by taking student groups to historical sites in the United States and Europe. He opened his home to students on nights and weekends to enjoy conversation and classical music in the context of his classroom teaching.
After retiring from the classroom in 2001, he completed the docent training classes at Reynolda House Museum of American Art and served as a volunteer tour guide at Reynolda House for 15 years, retiring at the age of 88.
He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church.
As he requested, his funeral will be a private family service.
Memorial gifts can be made to Reynolda House Museum of Modern Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC, 27106; the Fund for Davidson College, P.O. Box 7170, Davidson, NC 28035; the RJR High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 26172, Winston-Salem, NC 27114, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.salemfh.com.