Melvin Eugene "Gene" Mitchell

HICKORY---Melvin Eugene (Gene) Mitchell, 85, passed away April 1, 2016 at his home. Gene was born March 28, 1931 in Catawba Co. to the late Wade and Bessie (Susie) Hodges Mitchell. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Betty Sue Ezell Mitchell; a daughter, Janice Mitchell Hubbs; granddaughters, Janna Lynn Hubbs and Emily Holmes; and brother, Billy Mitchell. He retired from the Air Force after 20 years. He was stationed in Key West, Fla., during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and at bases in Wyoming, New Mexico, Alaska, North Carolina, Virginia, Belgium, Spain and South Carolina. In Europe, he served with NATO and was assigned to the inspector generals’ team. When he and his family returned to Hickory, he built a house about 100 yards from where he was born, and lived there the rest of his life. He had a second career as a purchasing agent, including jobs at Moose Products, Satellite Systems and Capricorn Electronics. Gene was married 60 years to Betty, whom he adored. She was the great love of his life. He was a deacon at Highland Baptist Church. He was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers. He was Papaw to his grandchildren, and devoted himself to caring for his family.Surviving is a daughter, Melanie Holmes and husband, William of Hickory; sons, Mark Mitchell of Simpsonville, SC and Monte Mitchell and wife, Jennifer of Ararat, VA; and grandchildren, Rachel Mitchell Scercy, and husband Chris, of Millers Creek; Alex Holmes and wife Dominique, of Cary; Nicholas Holmes, of Cary; and Caroline Holmes, Olivia Holmes and Austin Holmes, all of Hickory. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Jesse Lott and Dale Clark at 3 p.m. Sunday at Highland Baptist Church. The family will receive friends 1:45-2:45 p.m. prior to the service. The family wishes to thank the devoted caregivers who helped him in the last year of his life. Memorials may be made to Highland Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Hickory Funeral Home.