William Mitchell, Jr.

William “Bill” Mitchell, Jr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025. He was born February 28th, 1932, in Greenville, Mississippi, the only child of the late Daisy Lou Finch Mitchell and William (Willie) Mitchell, Sr.

A graduate of Sardis High School and Mississippi State University (’54), he earned his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, he served in the United States Army achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant, serving in Stuttgart, Germany and ultimately with distinction as a Korean War Veteran. The GI Bill afforded him the opportunity to continue his education, and he earned an additional B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering from Louisiana State University (’58). He and his wife Louise made Brandon their home in 1973. He was employed with the Bridge Division of the Mississippi Department of Transportation until his retirement in 2001.

His engineering mind was always at work, reflecting his tenacity and “bulldog” spirit. He was a lifelong learner, a history scholar and enjoyed reading and researching. A devoted husband, father and grandfather (“Daddy Bill”), he was known for his determination, strength of character, quick wit and gentle kindness. A faithful Christian servant of Brandon First Methodist Church, he was a member of the Joy Sunday School Class and the Men’s Club. He loved gardening, dove hunting, and his Mississippi State Bulldogs, proudly ensuring that his father, Willie Mitchell’s, Mississippi baseball legacy was always remembered.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Louise Hollis Mitchell, and his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Mitchell McNamara, and her husband, Greg, daughter Wanda Mitchell Martin, and her husband Garron, and two grandsons, Mitchell Martin and Will Martin.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and therapists of Wisteria Gardens for their years of loving compassion and encouragement.

Memorials may be made to Brandon First Methodist Church.

There will be a Family graveside at Brandon Memorial Gardens.