Dr. John L. Mitchell

1924 - 2018

Dr. John L. Mitchell

Memphis, tn

Dr. John L. Mitchell, 93, of Memphis passed away at home on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 after a brief illness. Born in Bolivar, Tennessee in 1924, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Mitchell. He graduated from Central High of Hardeman County in 1942. He briefly attended the University of Tennessee at Martin before being called up to serve his country in World War II as a member of the US Army. He was assigned to Battery "A" of the 55th Field Artillery that deployed in New Guinea and Luzon, Philippines. After the war ended he volunteered to join Battery "A" of the 89th Field Artillery to serve in Occupied Japan.

He graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and received his D.D.S. from the University of Tennessee, Memphis in 1951. He maintained a private practice in Memphis for approximately thirty years.

He married the love of his life, Anne Mayzell Halford, in 1955. They welcomed their first child, Nancy Susan in 1956 and their second daughter, Carrie LeeAnn in 1961. He enjoyed his Wednesday golfing until Nancy decided that the family would join the world of equestrian sports. He was extremely supportive of both of his daughters' sports and career ambitions, often proving to be their toughest critic and most gentle mentor.

A lifelong collector, he turned his attention toward militaria and was an early member of the Memphis Military Collectors Club. He enjoyed going to estate sales, gun shows and related events to search out finds. He particularly enjoyed mentoring younger people about the history of the Civil War and World Wars I and II.

His parents, his loving wife of thirty-eight years Anne Mayzell Halford Mitchell, his sister Nancy Mitchell Williams and nephew Marvin Mitchell Williams of Hobart, Oklahoma and his daughter Nancy Mitchell Dold of Memphis preceded him in death.

His daughter, Carrie LeeAnn Mitchell and son-in-law, Jim Buonaccorsi of Farmington, Georgia and his son-in-law, Ronald P. Dold, Memphis, survive him. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Gene G. Williams of Hobart, Oklahoma.

Surviving nieces and nephews include Gena Williams Moore of Memphis and Larry Halford of White Pine, Tennessee. Additional nieces and nephews all from Mississippi, include Juanita Halford Sutton, Michael Halford and Cloyd Halford.

A graveside service will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, January 29, at Union Cemetery in Bolivar, TN. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until his Memorial Service begins at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in Memphis, TN.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of the Methodist University Hospital, the first-floor staff and physical therapy department of Allen Morgan Health and Rehabilitation Center. Senior Care Management Solutions was invaluable with special thanks to Dillon Burnette and Dynshea Stitts for their immaculate attention to his comfort. Ms. Barbara Ann Batts helped him maintain his independence and Mrs. Annie L. Malone provided angelic comfort and humor in his final months at home. Dr. Jeffery Warren's brilliant medical attention provided Dr. Mitchell with many additional years of life and Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care made his transition peaceful.

At the time of his death, Dr. Mitchell was the oldest member of First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Memphis First United Methodist Church Sanctuary Fund, 204 North 2nd Street, Memphis, TN, 38105 or online: https://www.firstchurchmemphis.org