Robert Thomas Mitchem
November 30, 1933 ~ May 14, 2020
Marietta Southern Cremations & Funerals
Robert Thomas Mitchem, Jr., 86, from Boston Massachusetts known to everyone as Bob or Mitch, passed away on May 14, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia.
A memorial service will be held on May 23, 2020 at 11 am at Southern Cremation and Funeral Services in Marietta, Georgia. His ashes will remain with the family.
Bob was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Robert Sr. and Marian Mitchem on November 30, 1933. He graduated from Boston English High School in 1951 before attending and graduating from Fisk University in 1955 and Boston University Law School in 1956. It was at Fisk that he met his life-long friend Jim Robinson. Bob is also a Veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1957-1959 in Germany. He started his sales career on a very high note with IBM in 1964 as a District Sales Rookie of the Year and spend the next 23 years with IBM in multiple roles: most notably as Branch Manager around the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as Marketing Manager, Sales Training Director, and Product Manager. His favorite role with IBM was as World Trade Manager of Sales Training. Also, while with IBM, Bob worked within the system to support opportunities for people of color. After retiring from IBM, Bob put his entrepreneurial skills to work as the President and COO of ACMC and then founding Achieve, Inc as President and CEO in 1994. He owned and headed up Achieve, Inc. until his retirement in 2003. Bob married Nilda Ramos in 1964 and had his first two children, Melanie in 1965 and Rob in 1970. In 1985, Bob married Sookie Park that brought two stepchildren; Stan, born in 1973, and Natalie, born in 1977. He legally adopted Stan and Natalie in October 1997.
Bob was preceded in death by his father Robert Sr.; mother Marian; and his three sisters Audrey, Anne, and Gertrude (who everyone affectionately called Mitchie). He was also preceded in death by Jim Robinson.
Bob is survived by his wife Sookie of 35 years; his 4 children: Melanie, Robert, Stan, and Natalie; daughter-in-law Hana and granddaughter Meadow; his half-sister Nia-Sue Mitchum; and his first wife Nilda of 14 years.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS PLEASE DONATE TO:
Fisk University: https://connect.fisk.edu/donate
Atlanta Community Food Bank: https://tinyurl.com/donate-Atlanta-Food-Bank
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Bob mentored meant young people of color in IBM during the 60’s & 70’s and was a trailblazer serving as the first sales instructor of color— thanks for the support and memories. Wes Holloway
Bob was such a stellar individual. He always had a smile on his face and was upbeat, warm and friendly. Always. When I handled IBM Recruiting in the SE, he joined me at Fisk — looking for sales candidates. He was a giant in my eyes. My prayers go out to him and to all of his loved ones. I am so sorry for your loss. Joanie Schultz
Sookie and children, our hearts are heavy and prayers are going up for you. It is our prayer that your grief will soon change to pleasant memories with smiles when you think of Bob. Blessings, Linda & Harold McIntyre, Cincinnati, Oh.
Sookie and family, our hearts are truly saddened at the news of Bob’s passing. We are grateful and blessed for the memories of all of you over the years in Dayton, OH and Binghamton, NY. Our prayers are with you at this time. Sincerely, Carol and Kala Hinton, Dayton, OH
My Uncle Bob was an amazing person with a kind spirit that made me feel safe. He never failed to make people laugh and I will miss his witty humor and wise presence.
Sending love from the McMillan Family. My most vivid memory of Robert was when we visited around 1996 for the Mitchem family reunion. I remember His sense of humor and his ability to be relatable. I remember being proud that I had a successful relative that had done well for himself. Sending my love to my dear cousins Melanie and Robert Jr. today. Phil McMillan
Love and condolences to the Mitchem family. Cousin Bob will be missed.
I will always remember Bob as a mentor. His company did business with the school district and brought the very first computer training program to teachers, staff, and students nearly 20 years ago. As I grew in my career and though he was a business partner, he was also a mentor. I credit him for teaching me the “art of integration” of business and education grounded in excellent customer service. He was a giant and a force. I thank him and his company family for their contributions to the school district. Ramona Tyson Superintendent, DeKalb County School District
Bob ‘a presence in IBM Marketing Training stimulated my interest and showed me what was possible. I became a sales instructor as a result of his example.