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Sammy Mitchell Obituary
Sammy Dale Mitchell, 75, of Denton passed away on September 14, 2019 in Denton. He was born on April 29, 1944 in Denton To Callie (Barksdale) and Samuel Walter Mitchell. He married his life partner and best friend, Diana Cruz, on July 8, 1972 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Sam graduated from Denton High School in 1962 and in 1967 earned a BBA in Marketing from North Texas.
Sammy was a unique person with a wide range of interests. He was an entrepreneur, owning and running a number of businesses including the Broken Spoke Ballroom and an apartment complex. He was a Karate Sensei and instructor for over 30 years at the Denton Optimist Judo and Karate Club and is fondly remembered by the hundreds of students that he taught and mentored. Sammy was a friend to animals and had many pets, including several raccoons. He was often seen driving around Denton with Rocky Racoon, his favorite, perched on the hood of the car.
Sammy was a Christian man. His love for his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, was deeply rooted. He was spiritually renewed daily through biblical readings and prayer.
He is survived by his loving partner, Diana Mitchell, his two furry friends, Toby and Piper, and many friends and wonderful neighbors.
Sammy is preceded in death by his mother, father, and his older sister, Charlotte.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 9-10 AM, in the Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors, followed by a 10:00 A.M. funeral service led by Pastor Ray Harper. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the Denton Optimist Judo and Karate Club at 259 Hobson Lane, Denton, Texas 76205 or to Covenant Fellowship of Lake Dallas, 625 S. Lake Dallas Dr., Lake Dallas, Texas 75065.
The family wishes to thank the staffs of Good Samaritan Denton Village and VNA Hospice for their kindness, love, and compassion during his long illness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sammy Mitchell
Sponsored by Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors - Denton.
Kenneth Bunyard
July 21, 2020
He trained me....1969..kenneth bunyard..im now a purple belt...i loved sammy...ill always remember him...my hero
Eddie. Wayne Blankenship
October 4, 2019
Sam thank you for everything I will always ember
Lisa Whatley Quisenberry
September 21, 2019
You were such a blessing to me...took me in under your wing when I was knee high to a grasshopper. Loved you and Diana so much! May you happily walk those streets of gold...
Connie Charat (formerly Reynolds)
September 20, 2019
My deepest condolences to Sam's partner, Diana. Diana, the love you had for each other was quite evident to those who know you. I hope your wonderful memories will comfort you and your faith will give you strength.
Cliff Reding
September 18, 2019
Sam,
It was with great pride I got to be in your life. Thank you so much for the knowlege and talent you shared with me. It changed the path of my life. Thank you fo the influnce you have had on me and this entire town and community. You made this world a better place.
Thank you so much.
Cliff Reding
Jim and Linda McKissack
September 18, 2019
Our Deepest Sympathy ,May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
God's Blessings .
Jim
September 18, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bill DeBerry, Jr. & Andrew DeBerry
September 18, 2019
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Art Seely Jr
September 17, 2019
It was such an honor to know and take karate lessons from you Sam. You had such high expectations, demanded our best, was so knowledgeable, and yet one of the most caring men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Sam, you were so diverse in your interests, whether it be karate, Diana, David, your properties, your animals, or other people, in general. You were such a spectacular man, in ever positive way. I will miss you, Sam Mitchell very much, but know I will see and visit with you, again, in a healed body with our Lord Jesus Christ one of these days soon. Thank you for all of your help, instruction, and friendship, Sam! I am indebted to you! Thank you, my dear friend! And, Diana, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Memorial Events
for Sammy Mitchell
Sep
21
Visitation
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors - Denton2025 West University, Denton, TX 76201
Sep
21
Funeral service
10:00 a.m.
Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors - Denton2025 West University, Denton, TX 76201
Funeral services provided by:
Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors - Denton2025 West University, Denton, TX 76201
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