Mitchell Lee McKell

Mitchell Lee McKell (Mickey), 82, a lifelong resident of Birmingham, Alabama, born February 17, 1939, passed away December 16, 2021 after bravely battling Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinsonism for 5 years.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Betty Ann McKell, Myra Crowell (mother), Fletcher Crowell(grandmother), and Charles Crowell (uncle).

Mickey is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra Hiatt McKell, and his greatest legacy for which he was most proud - 5 wonderful children: Charles McKell, Mitchell McKell (Jonna), Michelle McKell Barron (John), Allyson McKell, and Michael McKell (Kelsey), 7 beautiful grandchildren, and 2 precious great grandsons. We will be forever thankful that Mickey was surrounded by his children and grandchildren during the last two weeks of his life.

Mickey graduated from John Carroll High School in 1957 and Auburn University in 1964. He is a retired US Steel auditor and a retired administrator for UAB School of Dentistry. Some of his favorite times were spent auditing in Venezuela.

Throughout his life, Mickey was passionate about physical fitness, hobbies, adventure, and his children’s well being. His many hobbies included: flying, snow and water skiing, running, biking, swimming, canoeing, and motor cycle riding. In his earlier years he co-owned a small plane, a Kawasaki motorcycle dealership, and was a regular participant in 10K and triathlon events. He set the tone for the importance of a physical activity regiment. In earlier years, he was a member of the Birmingham Ski Club and Birmingham Track Club.

In later years he enjoyed watching his granddaughter dance, grandsons playing sports, long beach walks with his wife on Fort Morgan Beach, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He took advantage of any opportunity to travel, whether to attend a grandson’s wedding celebration in Wyoming’s Teton National Park or visiting his son in New Orleans, and traveling to the many national parks in Utah, where is younger daughter was living.

A special thank you to the staff at St. Martins in the Pines and UAB Highlands Hospital for the wonderful care received.

Funeral services and visitation will all be held at Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel. Wednesday, December 22, 2021. Visitation is from 11:00 am - 12:00 noon, immediately followed with funeral service and burial, officiated by Father Joe Culotta

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the McKell family.