Obituary published on Legacy.com by Paradise Memorial Funeral Home - Miami from Jan. 7 to Jan. 15, 2026.
Kind and gentle in all his ways, always willing to help, quick to praise, sincere and true in heart and mind. Major Percy Mitchell Sr. leaves behind beautiful memories that will forever be cherished.
Major Percy Mitchell Sr. was born on March 26, 1940, in the small town of Haines City, Polk County, FL, to the late Joseph and Patience Mitchell.
Affectionately known as "Mitch" by family and friends, he received his early education in the Haines City Public School system. He later moved to
Miami, FL, where he completed 7th and 8th grades at Mays Senior High School.
After graduating in 1959, from Oakland High School in Haines City Mitch returned to Miami and began a long and dedicated career as an automotive mechanic with Champagne Chrysler Dealership, where he worked faithfully for many years until his retirement in 1980.
Mitch was a devoted member of Martin Memorial A.M.E. Church. He joined the church in 1961 under the leadership of Rev. H. R. Brown and currently, Rev. Anthony Reed. Mitch served faithfully in many capacities. He loved singing in the choirs, serving as a Trustee, Class Leader, and as a church bus driver until 2007. His love for the church and for helping people was evident in his everyday life. Mitch was also a proud member of the Richmond Heights Community Male Chorus, the South Dade Male Chorus Union, very active with the Richmond Heights Woman's Club as one of the Shepherds and was affectionately known among the "S.W. 152nd Street McDonald's Morning Crew." Mitch was generous with his time, his talents, and his heart, extending kindness to family, friends, and all whom he met.
In 1975, Major met the love of his life, Irene Griffin. They were united in marriage on September 3, 1977, and were blessed with one son, Kirk L. Mitchell. He also lovingly reared two stepsons, Alfonso and Spence Crawford, one of whom preceded him in death.
On Saturday, January 3, 2026, God called His faithful servant, Brother Mitch, home to eternal rest. He confessed and believed that Jesus Christ was his Lord and personal Savior. He fought a good fight and remained faithful until the very end.
Left to cherish his loving memory are his devoted wife, Irene Mitchell; daughters, Kimberly Mitchell Whaley (Keith) and Bonita Mitchell Gourley, both of
Tallahassee, FL; sons: Major Mitchell Jr. (Jody) of
Winston-Salem, NC; Kirk Mitchell of
Fort Morgan, CO, and Alfonso Crawford of
Miami, FL; twelve grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, four goddaughters: Emme Kellam, Carolyn Dupree, Jade McLymont,, Denise Reed, one God son Rudy Given IV; a sister, Yvonne Hill and a brother, Donald Jordan, both of Detroit, Michigan. Major also leaves to mourn a loving legacy with three brothers-in-law, six sisters-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and special family friends: Cynthia Bowling, Jerri Carter, and Latonya Ammons.
Major was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph, and Patience Mitchell; a sister, Josie Jones; brothers: Eugene and Henry Mitchell; and son, Spence D. Crawford.
All who encountered Major Percy Mitchell Sr. found him to be warm, funny, loving, and unforgettable. Today, we imagine him being reunited with family and friends above, laughing, embracing, slapping backs, and giving kisses, just as he always did.
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