Spencer Mills Kitchin

March 2, 1943 - March 16, 2020

03/02/1943 - 03/16/2020

Spencer Mills Kitchin, age 77, passed away March 16, 2020, at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.

Mills was born in Richmond, Va. on March 2,1943, to Stedman and Reba Wommack Kitchin.  He grew up in Scotland Neck and graduated from Scotland Neck High School.

He went on to graduate from Wake Forest University, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity and a Distinguished Graduate of the University’s Army ROTC Program.

After various assignments as an Armored Cavalry officer in the United States and Germany, he served one tour in Vietnam as a Cavalry Troop Commander.

Mills’s dedication to and sacrifices for his Troopers and country earned him the Bronze Medal with “V” device and an Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, an Air Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal.

After returning from Vietnam, Mills began his long career farming the family tracts along the Roanoke River.  He was an avid student of history, especially of World War II, and enjoyed spending time on River Road.

Besides his parents, Mills was preceded in death by his brother, Stedman Kitchin, Jr.

He is survived by his son, Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mills Kitchin, U.S. Air Force, Retired, his wife Tiffiny, and their children, Ethaniel, Evelyn, and Ean of Charleston, SC.  He is also survived by one sister, Anna Kitchin Wilson, her husband Clarence Wilson, MD, of Wilmington, their sons Stedman Wilson, PhD, Hadley Wilson, MD, Hadley’s wife Lauren, and their daughters Madeline and Kathryn Mills, all of Durham.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Letchworth-Sykes Funeral Service in Scotland Neck is handling the arrangements for the Kitchin family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.letchworthsykesfs.com.

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Sue S.Davis
3 years ago

Bryan, Anna and families,

We are so sorry to hear about Mills; known him a long time and considered him a friend. He and Bruce had many good conversations over a “Lucky Strike” at the cabin suppers and on the farm. He was a good man and I pray for you Bryan and your family that God will help you get through this time of loss and give you peace knowing he is in a better place. Keep your memories close and the love in your hearts. God bless you all,
Bruce and Sue Davis

JW Bryant
3 years ago

It was sad to hear, as it always is for me, that another Vietnam war veteran has passed from this life with little fanfare or acclaim. Mills Kitchin was not just a US Army Vietnam veteran, like so many of us were, he was a decorated veteran having earned both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with a V(Valor) Device and Oak Leaf Cluster for action above and beyond the call of duty.
Former Cavalry Captain Mills Kitchin I salute and thank you for your military service, the numerous sacrifices you made and the heroism and courage you displayed. You were a honorable and patriotic soldier and a proud American whose service to your country was outstanding. You are gone from us but I can assure your family and friends you are not forgotten.

Roger & Cathy McGill
3 years ago

So sorry for the loss of your family of Capt. Kitchin as his Troopers knew him in the 3/4 Cavalry in Vietnam. God Bless all of you. May he Rest in Peace in Fiddler’s Green.

Jerry A Headley
3 years ago

I served with Mills in the 3-4 Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division , 1968-69. He was a super soldier. A caring man. Great sense of humor. He told me all about growing peanuts and that was what he was going to do when he got home. I had the pleasure of visiting him at the farm on my way to Fort Jackson, SC some years later. We sat on the floor talking about the “good old days” way into the night. We stayed in touch through the years and I loved listening to this “tales”. I will miss him greatly and will see him one day at Fiddler’s Green where he will have a cold Scotch waiting.

Mel Mosd
3 years ago

Spenser Mills Kitchen we will miss you dearly. Down the road we will meet once again on “The Green” where the 3/4 Cav has a honored spot already reserved you, RIP. To the family, we wish you comfort and peace. Cherish his memory.

Tannis Dunn
4 years ago

My first friend when I moved to Scotland Neck. He meant so much to so many people. Rest now, my friend.

Roland Wayne Edwards
4 years ago

I am sorry to hear of Mr. Kitchen’s passing. He would always greet everyone with kindness and genuine good humor. I will always picture him in my mind driving his Jeep, hair blowing in the wind and a knowing smile on his face. He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.

Linda Kantor
4 years ago

So sorry to learn of Mills’ passing. From the day we moved to River Rd. in 1975, Mills was a friend, he helped with out garden, pulled me out of the ditch, plowed the road when it snowed. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peach and have no more pain.

Connie Cotten
4 years ago

I am so sorry to hear this news about Mills, he was a nice man, he even let me swim in his pool. We have lost so many good people from our town. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him, The kitchen family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cynthia Floyd
4 years ago

I think of my home town as a tapestry with each person being making up the threads. Mills Kitchen was one of my favorite threads, such an interesting character. He was one of those awesome threads that didn’t follow the weave pattern, leaping from the tapestry in dazzling brilliance in one place of the weave, and subtly, simply blending behind the threads in another, intermingling with all the threads. He made our community a more interesting place to be in so many ways, making a difference in ways often unknown to others. He had a smile for you whether you were the wealthiest person in town, the most needy or somewhere in between. He will forever be in my mind relaxing by the pool with a beer or carrying on with his friends in the Idle Hour. RIP. Thank you for enriching our lives. Prayers with all of Mills’ family, friends and the Scotland Neck community.