Nelson “Ray” Mitchell, 89, of Fairdale, KY entered into Heaven Saturday, September 16, 2023. Ray passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 29, 1934 to Herbert and Ella (Rennirt) Mitchell.
Ray was a hard worker which earned him the nickname “Hard Times”. He was in remodeling (Mitchell Remodeling) and trucking (Mitchell Trucking). He traveled with the Bluegrass Thoroughbreds of KY. During his time with us, he found joy in various activities. He cherished peaceful fishing trips, morning breakfast at DQ, and treasured moments spent with his beloved family. His true passion was in his garage, where he worked alongside family and friends, building and customizing dump trucks. He found immense fulfillment in sharing his knowledge and expertise with those who shared his passion.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Nelvina “Blondie” Mitchell Durbin; sons, Rickey Dale Mitchell, Thomas Nelson “Tommy” Mitchell; brother, Thomas E. Mitchell; sons-in-law, Bob Stayton, John Durbin; Sister-in-law, Brenda H. Mitchell, Pat Rayhill (Wilson); brothers-in-law, Charles T. Baker, Dean Snellen, John Brown, Dwight Richardson, Tim Risinger; niece (Goddaughter), Becky Lynn Dorton; nephews, John Brown Jr., Chuck Baker, Ernest Richardson; great niece, Michaela Walls.
Left to cherish Ray’s memory is his loving wife of 68 years, Bertha “Sissie” (Rayhill) Mitchell; daughters, Valerie Denise Mitchell Stayton, Samantha Dawn Mitchell Brown (Carl); brother, John Henry Mitchell (Brenda); sisters, Jo Ann Snellen, Patsy Brown, Virgie Richardson, Brenda J. Risinger, Sherry “Kay” Wicker (Stevie); Sister-in-law, Birtie Baker; grandchildren, Casey Bowman (Jake), Cristie Ramsey (Kyle), Wendy Underwood (George), Edmund Doyle, Nick, Ben (Jennifer), Sarah and Hannah Durbin of Bardstown, KY. Cory (Sam), Tony, Dusty and Tabitha (Kevin) Mitchell; daughter-in-law, Bobbi Mitchell, all of Indiana; Ray was a proud Great-Papaw to 20 great grandchildren, including his sidekick Aubrie “Arby”. Ray was also surrounded by loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Services will be Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Fairdale McDaniel Funeral Home, 411 Fairdale Rd 40118. Visitations is from 10:00am until the funeral service at 5:00pm. A memorial gathering will be following the funeral service until 7:30pm at the funeral home. Burial will be private.
Memorial donations in Ray’s honor should be directed to any of the following: Diabetes Association, Heart Associations, Crusade for children, or Rett Syndrome Research Foundation. (RSRF)
