Sonny"Mitchell Virgil Oliver"Mitch

A one of a kind man who professed that "if you're ever like anyone else, change," passed away August 3, 2015, having lived his life as a true individual. Virgil Oliver Mitchell was born May 31, 1928, in Baton Rouge, the only son of Ludie Bell Erwin and Virgil Davis Mitchell of Union Church, Mississippi. He graduated from Baton Rouge High in 1945, LSU in 1949 (electrical engineering), and received his masters in electrical engineering in 1966. He worked for General Electric in Schenectedy, New York, then was employed with Ethyl Corporation, where he worked until retirement. He became Director of Engineering at Ethyl and taught basic electrical engineering and industrial electrical engineering. He traveled the world with his work including his favorite-Japan-and lived underground in the Amazon. He spoke five different languages. He was a member of Delta Sigma Fraternity, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Tau Beta Pi Honor Society, Eta-Kappa Nu Association, and Phi Kappa Phi. His hobbies included water skiing; restoring and collecting automobiles; designing and renovating homes; collecting big band music, stereo equipment, and recording; and following the Russ Morgan Big Band around the world. He is survived by Marjorie Groves, Baton Rouge, his longtime companion, his daughters Lynn Mitchell Fulco, Oklahoma City (George Fulco) and Carol Mitchell LaCour, Baton Rouge (John LaCour); his grandchildren Leslie Ann Fulco, Oklahoma City, Haley Elizabeth Fulco, Oklahoma City, and John Mitchell Naquin, Baton Rouge; his step grandchildren John LaCour III, Charleston, SC, (Catherine) and Jennifer LaCour Price, Dallas, TX (Steve) and step great-grandchildren Sarah Grace Price and Jacob William Price, Dallas, TX. He is also survived his long-time friend and former wife Marion (Joy) James, Baton Rouge and William Groves, son of Marjorie Groves, Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil D. Mitchell, his mother, Ludie Mitchell, his grandparents, Letha Mae (Granny) Corbin Erwin and Thomas Jefferson (Buster) Erwin. His family would like to thank the staff and residents of Williamsburg Senior Living Community where he was delightfully happy, the nurses and caregivers at Ollie Steele Burden Manor, particularly Judith Merritt. There are no words to express our thanks to his wonderful caregivers who worked around the clock and became family members: Tiffany Beckwood, Doris Scott, Cassandra Burrell, and Angelle Lemieux. In fact, the family can still see his face light up when "Tiffie" walked in the door. The family would also like to express their heartfelt thanks for the gentle and loving care of Hospice of Greater Baton Rouge, particularly Nita Vincent and Dr. Guido DeJesus. They made his passing respectful, loving, and peaceful. The family would also like to thank First United Methodist Church, where he was a long-time member. Rebecca Mitchell followed him from place to place, visiting, praying, giving flowers and gifts. He looked forward to her visits. First United Methodist Church will host a visitation Thursday, August 6th at 9:00 am in the McKenzie Library and a service at 10:00 am in the Aldrich Chapel (entrance on the interstate side of First United Methodist). Pallbearers will be John LaCour, George Fulco, Mitchell Naquin, John Naquin, Charles Jones, and Michael Boudreaux. A private interment with family will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.