Sam Bickley Mitchell, Jr., age 85, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, May 17, 2019, after an extended illness. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 22nd from noon to 1 p.m. at the parish hall of Grace Episcopal Church. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the church sanctuary with the Reverend Don Smith officiating. Interment with military honors will be Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield.
Mr. Mitchell was a native of Colbert County, and lived there most of his life. He was a 1951 graduate of Deshler High School, and continued his education at Florence State and Auburn University. Mr. Mitchell served in the United States Army as a military policeman for four years in Germany. He retired as superintendent of LaRoche Ammonium Nitrate Plant, Cherokee, after 36 years of service.
Sam was a member of Grace Episcopal Church for over 40 years, having served as church treasurer for many of those years. He also served as Senior and Junior Warden. He loved to sing in the choir and participate in many other church functions.
In later years, Sam was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Tuscumbia. He sang in the choir and helped prepare many great meals, along with his good friend Budd Bottcher, for church functions and other events.
He loved his family deeply, and was a good and caring man. Sam will be missed by many. He had an outgoing personality and was always willing to help when needed. Mr. Mitchell was an avid sports fan, enjoying Auburn football and baseball. Grilling and preparing special meals for his family and friends was a favorite activity for him.
Preceding Mr. Mitchell in death were his parents, Sam Bickley Mitchell Sr. and Nannie Kate Beck Mitchell; stepson, David Steenson; and step infant grandson, Spencer Carroll.
Mr. Mitchell is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Dixie Faye Goins Mitchell; daughter, Nancy Ann Von Unschuld (Hunter); stepchildren, Col. Mike Steenson (Michelle) and Vicki Steenson; sister, Susan E. Balch (Ray); grandchildren, Jordan Von Unschuld and Henry Von Unschuld; stepgrandchildren, Sarah Steenson, Steve Steenson, Ashley Steenson, Ivy Carroll and Josh Carroll; stepgreat-grandchildren, Laney Barnes, Piper Fountain and Teagan Fountain; special nephew, Edward Balch (Kathryn); and special grandniece, Charlotte Balch.
Pallbearers include Edward Balch, Ray Balch, Mike Steenson, Steve Steenson, John Savage and Nick Ware.
The family gratefully acknowledges the loving care of Dr. Lorin McCoy, nurses, and staff of Hospice of North Alabama, and Sam’s sister-in-law, Sharon Goins Evans.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, P.O. 838, Sheffield, AL 35660 or First United Methodist Church of Tuscumbia, 104 East Third St., Tuscumbia, AL 35674.
