Robert Mitchell "Mitch" Alton III, 73, passed away on January 6th with his beloved wife, Dixie, by his side. He leaves countless friends and 60 years of live and recorded music in his wake.
Mitch has long been regarded as a fixture of one of Alabama's best-loved groups, The GateBand, which he founded with fellow musicians and friends while a student at the University of Alabama. He started collaborating with musical friends in bands as far back as Cloverdale Junior High School.
Mitch graduated from Jefferson Davis High School, the University of Alabama, and Jones School of Law.
He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega social fraternity and the Red Elephant Club at the University. He cherished his connections to his alma mater throughout his life. He also served his country as a member of the Army National Guard.
Mitch spent much of his professional career as an attorney for the Alabama Department of Transportation. After retiring he and Dixie (Mary Dixon Torbert) made their home in Auburn while Mitch continued to sing lead and harmony vocals for the GateBand.
Mitch was preceded in death by his parents, Jacquelyn Garner Alton and Robert Mitchell Alton Jr., and his much-loved little brother, William Andrew Alton. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Jean Garner Alton, and his brother, John Garner Alton
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Alabama Community Foundation, P.O. Box 775,
Opelika, AL 36801, or a
charity of your choice.
Mitch's memory will live on through the music he loved and the people he touched. May those who knew him find comfort in celebrating the life he so richly embraced.