BG (Ret) Marvin "Mitch" Ernest Mitchiner, Jr., US Army, 81, of Columbia, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Born in Savannah, Georgia, on July 13, 1942, he was the son of the late Marvin Ernest Mitchiner, Sr. and Hermione Seckinger Mitchiner. He was the loving husband of 62 years to Gayle Brand Mitchiner and devout member of St. David's Episcopal Church in Columbia, South Carolina.

BG Mitchiner graduated from Lanier High School in Macon Georgia. He earned his bachelor's degree from North Georgia College in Dahlonega and an MBA from Georgia State. He joined the United States Army in 1964 and served his country honorably for over 29 years. As a decorated Army Aviator, he logged more than 3000 hours of total flight time, of which 1200 flight hours were in combat operations during two tours of duty in Vietnam (1966-67 and 1969-70). BG Mitchiner was a Master Aviator rated in the following aircraft: UH-1 (Huey), O-1 (Ninja), OH-13 (Sioux), T-41 (Mescalero), T-42 (Cochise), U-8 (Seminole), and UH-60 (Black Hawk). He commanded units at various levels throughout his career including; 183rd Aviation Company (1966-67), 176th AHC (1969-70), A Company, 82nd Aviation Battalion (1975-77), 82nd Aviation Battalion (1980-83), and the 11th Aviation Group (1985-87). In addition, BG Mitchiner served as the Chief, Southern NATO Arms Control Team, the first Commanding General of the United States Army Safety Center, and then he completed his military service as the Deputy Commanding General of Fort Jackson.

BG Mitchiner received countless decorations, medals, badges, citations, and ribbons for his meritorious service. Some of the more meaningful for BG Mitchiner were the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Master Army Aviator, Master Parachutist, and the Ranger Tab.

Outside of the military, Mitch held a multitude of positions including leadership consultant, several corporate officer positions, and he had a robust career as a skilled arbiter. He was known as a friend to all with an ability to command a room with his presence. He instilled the values of accountability, love, and devotion to his family and always made it known how much he cherished them. His grandchildren were his world and together, they created some of his favorite memories. Mitch enjoyed showing dogs with his wife and was a board member of the Great Columbia Obedience Club, where he taught many classes. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing with friends and family or working meticulously on his various yard projects.

Mitch was the patriarch of the Mitchiner family. Standing as a testament to his service to our Nation, he inspired two additional generations of his family to continue the legacy of federal and military service. The ongoing aggregate years of Mitchiner's National service now stands well over 100 years. In addition to his wife, survivors include his sons, Sean Mitchiner (12 years Army / wife Tammy) of Raleigh, NC, COL (Ret) Christopher Mitchiner (25 years Army / wife Heather) of Dawsonville, GA, and Matthew Mitchiner (10 years Army) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, CPT Meghan Oroho (husband James – former Army), Cassidy Mitchiner, 1LT James Mitchiner, 1LT Gavin Mitchiner, Zachary Mitchiner (5 years Federal service), 1LT Justin Mitchiner, 1LT Jakob Mitchiner, Dylan Mitchiner, and Emma Mitchiner; and great-grandson, Mitchell Oroho (called Mitch in honor of his Great Grandfather); sisters, Marianne M. Rooks of Ft. Valley, GA and Marsha Mitchiner of Atlanta, GA; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by sister, Marilyn Teal of Warners Robins, GA.

The Funeral Service for BG Mitchiner will be held at 11:00 o'clock on Saturday, April 20th, at St. David's Episcopal Church, 605 Polo Road Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends the evening prior to the service from 5 until 7 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Avenue, Fort Myer, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or Pawmetto Lifeline, 1275 Bower Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29212.