Roy Ellsworth Mitchell Jr.

Roy E. Mitchell, Jr. 94 of Amarillo passed away March 27, 2012 in Austin. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 30, 2012 at Griggs-Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors, Pioneer Chapel with Chester O’Brien of First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery by Griggs-Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors. Roy Ellsworth Mitchell, Jr. was born in Plainview on October 18, 1917 to Roy and Verlie Mitchell. He worked with his parents at the Plainview Theatre and attended Plainview High School where he played football. In 1941 he married Lucile and stared a family. He worked as a Line and Type Operator until he joined the United States Army in 1942. Following his Army service, Roy moved to Amarillo with his young family. In Amarillo, he was very active at First Baptist Church, especially with the youth program. Roy was a wonderful and involved father who loved spending time with his family. He contributed to the community, working as a brick layer and masonry contractor. Roy was known for his never give up attitude. Known as “Smokey, The Singing Brick Layer”. He lightened the load, singing songs such as “On Top Of Old Smokey”, “Danny Boy” and “How Great Thou Art”. He was a talented musician and a very precise brick layer with a keen eye for style. Roy specialized in designing and building fireplaces which were appreciated and in demand. Roy was generous to a fault and provided assistance and encouragement to those in need. He influenced many lives. Roy was always known as a hard worker, but at the same time he was a loving husband, father, Pappaw, provider and friend. He loved life and will be truly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Roy was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Opal Lucile; his parents; a son, Gary E. Mitchell and two sisters. Roy is survived by his daughters, Darlene Calder and husband J.R. of Ponder, Sharron Bueno of Amarillo, Sandra Slattery of Amarillo and Kimberly Sanchez of Austin; also by 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. The family suggest memorials be sent to First Baptist Church, 1208 S. Tyler St., Amarillo, Texas 79101 or to one’s favorite charity. Send on line condolences to www.griggsschoolergordon.com