William Thomas “Bill” Mitchell journeyed home to be with the Lord on August 14, 2023, at the age of 83. He was in the presence of his family and visited by some of his dearest, lifelong friends. He recently became a great grandfather to two grandsons, and “Bambo” was so happy to be visited by them just days before his passing. Born in Denton, Texas, to Tom and Ruth Estes Mitchell, his family moved to Louisiana and eventually settled in Baton Rouge. After graduating from Baton Rouge High School, where he met Diane, his wife of 62 years, he attended LSU and then enlisted in the U.S Air Force. Bill’s time in the Air Force ended far short of what he had hoped for, and he received an Honorable Discharge. He and Diane married, had three children and established Mitchell Insurance Services, where he was able to finally realize his desire to serve and help others. His clients were not just clients, they were often like family. Bill worked tirelessly to provide the best possible service to his clients, so they could focus on their lives and businesses, providing for their employees and families. Bill was an accomplished accordionist and, in his youth, performed on the stages of BRHS and The Paramount Theater. He enjoyed golf, a good joke, LSU football, Nascar and along with Diane, meeting up with his lifelong high school friends for dinners and other celebrations. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Jackson Mitchell and Ruth Estes Mitchell. He is survived by his wife, Diane Hathorn Mitchell; three children, Lauren Mitchell Ford (Jeff), William Scott Mitchell (Sandi), and John Robert “Rob” Mitchell; grandchildren, Joshua Ford (Alexis), Shannon Ford Farris (James), Dr. Wesley Mitchell (Briley), William Mitchell Jr., and Olivia Mitchell; and great grandsons, Campbell Farris and Tallak Ford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Vincent De Paul in Baton Rouge. A memorial service for Bill will be held on Saturday, October 14, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East from 11 am to 1 pm.
