Billy Mitchell was born September 14,1934, to Joe Buren and Minnie Laura Mitchell in Elkmont, Alabama. As a teenager he became a Christian and began a lifelong walk with his Savior. He knew he wanted to marry Nellie Dean Craig the first time they met. They spent over 66 years together in marriage until her death in January 2022. Billy and Nellie Dean were blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Kathy whom they raised to be servants of God. He spent two years in the army. After working 25 years at Monsanto in Decatur he retired and worked part-time at Winn-Dixie for a while.
Billy and Nellie Dean became members of the newly begun Jackson Drive Church of Christ in September 1966 and remained so until 2022. He served as a deacon there for many of those years. After Nellie Dean’s death, he attended the Pepper Road Church of Christ until moving to Mobile, Alabama with the Tillman’s Corner Church of Christ.
Mr. Mitchell was a very generous and tender-hearted man that loved his family very deeply. He was hardworking, kind to all, and faithful to His Heavenly Father all his days. His hearty laugh and enveloping “neck hugs” will be remembered by all who were blessed to enjoy them. He took such great care of his children and grandchildren when they needed him, and when they didn’t know they needed him. He was always supportive of their accomplishments and showed up to as many of their greatest life moments as he could. He was selfless until the end, never wishing to be a burden on anyone. He was always ready and willing to give of himself. He approached all his efforts with a strong respect for God’s guidance in Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Minnie Mitchell; his wife, Nellie Dean Mitchell (Craig); his daughter, Lisa Kay McConnaughhay (Mitchell); his brothers: Elmer Leon Mitchell, Ronald Mitchell, Harold Dean Mitchell, Marion Mitchell.
He is survived by: his daughter, Kathy Steele (Greg); Granddaughter, Lydia Sullivan (James); Grandsons, David Steele (Cierra); Jonathan McConnaughhay; Great-Grandson, Jameson Steele
Funeral services for Billy Mitchell will be 12:00 Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Visitation 10:00-11:45. Speaking at his funeral will be Jeff May; Marshall McDaniel reading the obituary; and Stephen Russell leading congregational singing. Pallbearers: James Sullivan, Tim Richter, Rick George, Steven Lynn, Will Stevenson, David Sandlin. Burial at Roselawn Cemetery
