Former Speaker Clayton Mitchell Dies, Hogan Orders Flags Lowered

ANNAPOLIS, MD — R. Clayton Mitchell Jr., a former Democratic Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, died Thursday, June 13, at age 83. He served five years as the speaker and represented the Eastern Shore in the Legislature. Gov. Larry Hogan has ordered all state flags lowered in Mitchell's honor.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our 104th Speaker of the House of Delegates, and my good friend, R. Clayton Mitchell Jr. As an Army veteran and distinguished member of the legislature, Speaker Mitchell leaves an indelible mark on our great state," Hogan said in a statement Friday. "His countless contributions include fighting to modernize Maryland’s transportation infrastructure, and last year, I was proud to dedicate the Route 50 Bridge over the Kent Narrows in Speaker Mitchell’s honor.

“Speaker Clay Mitchell was a man for whom I had tremendous respect and admiration. He dedicated his life to serving others and will always be remembered as an icon on the Eastern Shore. The prayers of Marylanders are with the Mitchell family during this difficult time.”

Mitchell was elected to the Kent County Commissioners in 1966 and in 1970 joined the Maryland House of Delegates. He was named in 1987 to serve as Speaker of the House of Delegates after now-Sen. Ben Cardin was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, the Baltimore Sun reports.

Mitchell served as speaker until he retired from the House in 1992.

Since retiring from the House of Delegates, Mitchell chairedthe Save our Skipjacks Task Force and the Maryland Commission for Celebration 2000, reports A Miner Detail. He also served as the Director of the Second National Bank of Maryland and was a member of the Board of Visitors and Governors of Washington College.

Maryland flags will fly at half-staff in Mitchell's honor until sunset on the day of his interment. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.