Joe Willie Mitchell born March 2, 1934, died peacefully in his home on August 28, 2021. Joe was born and raised in Marion, AL, where he graduated from Perry County High School in 1952. He graduated from Marion Military Institute in 1954 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama in 1956. He liked to remind friends that he was the original Joe Willie at the University, not Namath!
After a brief stint in the army in Aberdeen, MD, he was transferred to Huntsville in 1957. Joe had a distinguished career at the US Army Missile Command and after retiring from there, as a defense contractor. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Joan Davenport Mitchell. He is survived by his sons, Michael Lee Mitchell (wife, Jenny) and Joseph Marlin Mitchell (wife, Christy), as well as, granddaughters, Anna and Maria. A special thank you to Peggy McDevitt, a friend for many decades. She was his caregiver for the last year and a half.
Joe loved his family, basketball, Alabama football and playing tennis. He played tennis for over 60 years at the Huntsville Racket Club, Huntsville Athletic Club (Athletic Club Alabama) and at Topsl Beach and Racquet club. He was a true gentleman with southern charm. He was loved and will be missed. Roll tide!!
There will be a private family service and a celebration of life party in the future.
