Willie Lynn Mitchell

Bill was born on April 7, 1925 in Huntsville, Texas to Mattie Culbert and Claud Lee Mitchell. He graduated from Huntsville High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served during World War II. When the war ended, Bill attended Sam Houston State University, where he earned his degree and met the love of his life, Reva Tissue. They married on July 12, 1946.

After graduation, Bill and Reva moved to Houston where he was an accomplished cabinetmaker for over forty years. Bill was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in the Heights, where he served in a variety of leadership roles. He also volunteered regularly at the Grace UMC food pantry. In 1992 Bill and Reva moved to Katy, where he was very active in his grandchildren's lives. In 2013, he moved again to the Carriage Inn in Bryan, Texas.

Bill is survived by Reva, his wife of 68 years; daughter Lynn Franzen and husband Gordon of Austin; daughter Nelda Buck of Washington, Texas; granddaughter Erica Franzen; granddaughter Sarah Buck Shelnutt and husband Jerad; grandson Kirk Franzen and Lindsay Corotis; grandson Bryan Buck and wife Laura. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and countless people he called friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and sisters, and beloved son-in-law, Randy Buck.

A service will be held on Monday, December 22 at 10:00 A.M at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Sunday, December 21 from 5:00 to 7:00. Light refreshments will be served following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hospice Brazos Valley in Bryan, Texas.