Ryan Eugene Mitchell

Ryan Eugene Mitchell passed peacefully from this life on October 15, 2022. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 14, 1936, Ryan counted himself most fortunate to have met, wooed and won the hand of the beautiful and winsome 18-year-old girl of his dreams, Eleanor "Ellie" Bazemore Mitchell, more than 62 years ago. As Ryan struggled with his health during his final six months, it was Ellie's steadfast devotion to him that sustained him and further strengthened their lifelong love for one another.

In addition to Ellie, Ryan is survived by his loving children, sons Kyle Mitchell (Michelle) and Keith Mitchell (Laurie), and a daughter who from birth stole his heart, Kristi Hughes, along with his pride and joy, grandchildren Hank Mitchell and Sam, Jack, Amberli and Taylor Hughes. Ryan was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Barbara Field, his son-in-law Tom Hughes, his parents Ryan and Catherine Mitchell, and his step-father William C. McDonald.

As a member of Local No. 175 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for more than 65 years, Ryan was gifted as a natural leader whose skills would bring encouragement and harmony to any situation. Following his graduation as the top apprentice in his class in the Local Union's demanding apprentice program, Ryan was a dedicated journeyman electrician for more than twenty years. It was his work on the Local Union's Executive Board that caught the attention of his fellow Union members and led to his ultimate calling as a benefits administrator for the balance of his working career. It was also his achievements while serving the Local Union that brought Ryan some of his proudest moments as his sons, Kyle and Keith, followed in their father's footsteps by graduating at or near the top of their respective apprentice classes and becoming respected professionals in the Union electrical trade where they have served their entire careers. Ryan later honed his management techniques with a year in a supervisory course at Chattanooga State Technical College, a decision that later served him well.

Ryan was instrumental in forming the Southern Electrical Retirement Fund in 1975 and the Southern Electrical Health Fund in 1976 where he served as a founding member of the Boards of Trustees. It was in those positions that his qualifications to serve as administrator of those Plans became evident to the company that was responsible for the administration of those Plans. Ryan accepted a position in 1977 with what would become Southern Benefit Administrators where he would serve as a Vice President and Branch Manager for more than 28 years. His commitment to excellence and his compassion for those he loved and served ensured financial and retirement security for tens of thousands of families of working men and women. He was recognized for his efficiency and passion for service while building a world class staff that looked to his leadership for direction and inspiration. Ryan retired from Southern Benefit on December 31, 2005 at age 69.

Fondly remembered by all, Ryan was a colorful character who was loved by everyone and adored by many. His transparency was his trademark and his ability to bring joy to any occasion and any gathering endeared him to all who knew him. Being a friend of Ryan's meant always having someone at your back. His friendship never wavered and his loyalty to those he loved was uncompromised. Once he became your friend, you had a place in his heart and he in yours.

Ryan's lifelong passion was golf. He was an avid and most accomplished golfer, known for seldom seeing his shots stray from the fairway. Golf was to Ryan a door to opportunity and friendship. It was through that door that he traveled far and wide with numerous friends and Ellie, challenging some of the world's greatest golf courses. Ryan was a favored partner in member-guest tournaments throughout the south because of his easy-going manner and his obvious zest for living. Some of his favorite times were traveling to Scotland and Ireland with friends to conquer some of the world's most beautiful courses and take a wee nip of local whiskies. It was generally on the golf course where Ryan's ability to turn a phrase like no one else manifested itself. He had no peer in that regard.

At the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club, where they were members for more than twenty-five years, Ryan and Ellie befriended and were embraced by many. When Ryan's health challenges gave way to a more placid lifestyle, he found his other love, gin rummy, where he spent many hours regaling friends with stories.

Ryan and Ellie were longtime members of First Centenary United Methodist Church and the Morgan Sunday School Class.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 12 pm (Noon) at First Centenary United Methodist Church at 419 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402. A Celebration of Ryan’s Life will follow at 12 pm (Noon) at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ryan's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6221 Shallowford Road, Suite 102, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421, http://www.cancer.org, and First Centenary United Methodist Church, 419 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402, http://www.firstcentenary.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Mitchell Family at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.