Donn R. Mitchell

Donn R. Mitchell Sr. (Paw-Paw to his family), 83, a lifelong resident of Biloxi, passed away on October 31, 2024.

A devoted family man, Donn was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Samuel Sterling Mitchell and Mrs. Della Mae Pringle Mitchell; his brother, Samuel Sterling Mitchell Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marsha Bernich Mitchell; three sons, Donn R. Mitchell, II (Kelli); Matthew Sterling Mitchell (Stephanie) and Paul Joseph Mitchell (Susan Faye); his daughter, Susan Mitchell Jordan (Jim).

In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren, Paul Joseph (Lara Claire), Sabrina (Rylan), Gabrielle, Donn III (Caroline), Drew, Ryan, Mayme, Taylor (Mari) and Trace; and three great-grandchildren, Jackson, Abel and Kieran.

Donn attended the Gulf Coast Military Academy and later graduated from Biloxi High School in 1958. After briefly attending the Citadel, he returned to Biloxi to help his parents operate the family’s Bungalow Motel and Restaurant and he also served as a member of the National Guard. He managed the Bungalow for over 10 years until it was destroyed by Hurricane Camille in 1969. Following that, Donn pursued his passion for real estate, became a commercial real estate broker and opened Magnolia Realty in Biloxi. He operated Magnolia Realty for decades, which was a fixture in commercial real estate along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and a very active proponent of bringing casino gaming to Biloxi.

Donn loved driving along Highway 90 and seeing the beautiful white sand beaches of his beloved Mississippi Gulf Coast, and in particular, taking in its wonderful sunsets. He took great pride and joy in his family and business investments alike, often blending the two together as in the case of the Cajun RV Park which is owned by his four children, operated by his daughter Susan and employs several family members. Donn also enjoyed his many other real estate investments with friends and partners across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Funeral services will be held at the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home at 675 Howard Avenue, Biloxi on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. and a religious service at 11:00 a.m. The graveside service will be held at the Southern Memorial Park Cemetery on Highway 90 immediately following the religious service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donn’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse for their Hurricane relief efforts across the country.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is proud to serve the family of Donn R. Mitchell Sr.