William Joseph Mitchell

William Joseph Mitchell passed away at his home on Wednesday November, 18. He was 87. He was born to Frank E. Mitchell and Corinne M Mitchell in Seymour, IN, on October 2, 1933. He was a graduate of Columbus High School in 1952 in Columbus, In. He Married the former Annise Akridge. They were married for 53 years. She proceeds him in death. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1953-1955. His last duty assignment was the USS tripole. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

His children are: Teresa (Steve) Booker of Saraland, Phyllis Qualls of Chickasaw, Frank and Chris Mitchell both of Mobile. He has 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandcildren.

He was preceeded in death by his wife, parents, brothers Harold Mitchell and George Arnoed and 2 sisters Maxine Freemann and Evelyn Bailey.

Mr. Mitchell was employed at Ciba- Geigy in McIntosh, Al, as well as serving as Director of Maintenance for U.S.A medical for many years. He served as president of the Gulf Coast Hospital Engineer Association in 1973. He retired in 1999. After retirement, he and his wife were coowners of Tiny Mart in Saraland for a number of years. An outdoorsman in his youth, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also bowled in a league for many years. Mr. Mitchell enjoyed attending the activities of all his “grands” over the years.

In his later years he could be found in his recliner enjoying westerns and Sci Fi movies and cheering for his beloved Alabama football team. He always enjoyed hosting the family night poker games. His happiest times were spent with family visiting casinos both far and near.

He was a great story teller! One, although unverified was that he participated in the 1951 olympic swimming trials in Seymour, In. were he placed fourth.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the doctors and nurses who have treated him over the years especially Dr. Valentine and Nolan as well as the Kindred Hospice Group. A special thanks to his granddaughter, Christy Brooks , who has been his care giver for many years. The family has asked in lieu of flowers donations be made to American kidney fund.org or American cancer society

Pall bearers: Steven Booker, Stephen Tindle, Gary Maherg, JT Schmitt, Joshua Booker and Jonathan Maherg. Services will be conducted by Brother Steve Norman with interment , with military honors, at Forest lawn Memorial Gardens. The funeral will be live streamed at 11.