William "Bill" Ralph Mitchell Sr.

Bill was born to John Herbert and Alice Jane Mitchell in Delta, Alabama on September 18, 1931. He was of Baptist Faith and passed away at home in his sleep with heart issues, not COVID-19.

Bill was a proud military man who served his country in the Air Force for 4 years starting May 31, 1951. While serving he gained knowledge of working with aircraft through schooling and hands on experience. After his military service he went to work for Delta Airlines for 27+ years.

He loved working in his wood working shop making bird houses, wooden churches, small chairs and benches and other things. He planted gardens that brought plenty of vegetables he always shared with others. Paps as he was called by most, was a gentle and loving soul with a love for the Lord. He was a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed by so many. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Frances Louise Mitchell; oldest son, William Ralph "Billy" Mitchell, Jr.; parents; brother, Gerald Mitchell and sister, Doris Robinson (James).

He leaves to cherish his memory, his son, John Mitchell of Ellenwood, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Diane Mitchell of Locust Grove, Georgia; grandson, Kyle (Camellia) Mitchell; great-grandson, Brantley, all of Monticello, Georgia; brother, Jim Mitchell of Oxford, Alabama; sister-in law, Judy Mitchell of Franklin, Georgia; sisters-in-law, Vera (Bud) Patterson of Knoxville, Tennessee and Kathleen White of Lenior City, Tennessee; many loved nieces and nephews and other family members.

Family and friends are invited to gather for viewing on Monday, May 4, 2020 from 10:00AM-12:00PM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home-Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 10 people at a time will be allowed in for viewing.

The family will then have a private emtombment due to the same COVID-19 (only 10 people allowed) restrictions immediately following in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, 722 Conley Road, Forest Park, Georgia 30297.

In lieu, of flowers please make a donation in his name to: Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

We request family and friends to send messages, photos or videos to www.mem.com/09156041.