Frank Mitchell

1935 - 2024

MITCHELL, Dr. Frank L.

Dr. Frank L. Mitchell, a dedicated public servant and passionate craftsman, passed away at the age of 89, on October 13, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Dr. Mitchell had an illustrious and diverse career and devoted over 30 years to the U.S. Public Health Service, where he was a pioneer in the field of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Early in his professional journey, he worked with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Nogales, NM, assisting in identifying drug traffickers coming across the border. In Miami, he was the Senior Medical Officer for the Cuban Rescue Program, and was on the first flight sent to Cuba to rescue those fleeing Cuba after its takeover by Fidel Castro. He later transferred to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in Bethesda, MD, where he served 10 years as the Senior Reviewer of the team that identified Superfund sites and wrote regulations for safely dealing with hazardous substances in the workplace and the environment. He rose to the role of Chief Medical Officer for the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in Atlanta, where he spent the next 14 years of his career. His expertise and leadership left a lasting impact on Public Health including his contributions to the treatment and handling of individuals experiencing Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Teaching and inspiring others was a constant throughout his career. He was a prolific writer, contributing chapters to many medical textbooks, as well as writing four books of his own, and presenting countless papers at professional meetings. In the 1980's, he was a regular lecturer in the Department of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. He continued to inspire others after moving to Atlanta and served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Alabama Birmingham School Of Public Health, the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, and Mercer School of Medicine.

Beyond his professional life, Frank's true passions lay in working with his hands. His love and skill for making intricate and extraordinarily realistic model airplanes was unmatched, with seven of his creations displayed in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. He was a talented woodworker beautifully finishing pieces of furniture, including two Grandfather clocks. He found joy in making masterfully crafted writing pens, generously sharing these custom works of art with friends and loved ones. Frank had an insatiable curiosity, enjoying reading, tinkering with cars and vintage cameras, and repairing anything that needed it, making a new part for it if necessary. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Gayle L. Mitchell; his daughters, Kristen (Mike) Box and Lindsay (Brad) Klipping; and granddaughters, Kyla and Teagan Box. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched through his work, creativity, generosity, and kindness. A service to honor Frank's life will be held at 11:00 AM, November 9, 2024, at Northwest Presbyterian Church, 4300 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Scholarship Fund, Canterbury Court, 3750 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30319.