Richard F. Mitchell

Richard was born in Columbus, Georgia September 22nd, 1931 to Esther and Harry Mitchell. He grew up and became the young man all Mothers hoped their daughters would bring home.

Richard graduated from Auburn University in 1955. That same year he married Iris and they enjoyed 66 years of blissful married life. There were 2 children born to them, Alison and Brad. Alison died in 2010. Brad has spent most of his time trying to make Richard’s older years more meaningful and less stressful.

Richard served as an elder in his church, Chairman of the Auburn University Business School Council and as President of the Auburn National Alumni Association. Following Auburn Football was a passion!

Richard’s business career was diverse: Treasurer of Vulcan Materials Company, Chief Financial Officer of Bigelow-Sanford Carpet Company, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Waddell & Reed Mutual Funds Company, Chief Financial Officer of Rich’s Department Stores, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Zale Jewelry Corporation, He was asked to come out of retirement to be President of Rhodes Furniture Company during a transition and later as President of a 52-store chain of Midwest Ace Hardware Stores also in transition.

There were 9 years of Strokes, Heart problems and age related Organ problems.

He suffered a fall September 28th, 2018 which caused a Brain Bleed and attendant problems. His last days were spent at home with Iris, Brad and beloved dog, Duffy.

Richard was a Christian who lived his Faith and we celebrate his life as one who made everyone he knew feel blessed to know him. A strong but gentle man, who was admired, respected and loved by all who were privileged to be his friend.

As requested by Richard, there will not be a service except for a simple Christian internment in our church memory garden with only a minister, Brad and Iris there. His ashes will rest next to those of Alison’s and our 3 beloved dogs, Beau, K.C. and Duffy.

-Love of my Life-