AVCM William P. "Mitch" Mitchell, USN (Ret) (1 Oct 1947 - 17 Oct 2008)

William P. Mitchell, better known as "Mitch," passed away suddenly on Friday, October 17, 2008, at age 61. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, a good brother, uncle, and the best friend anyone could wish for. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 1, 1947, to Jack and Canzada Mitchell, Mitch was one of seven children. He graduated from Sumner High School and joined the Navy in 1965. Mitch served his country for 30 years and retired in 1995. He started in the AT rate and retired as an AVCM. He was a proud member of Naval aviation at NAS Norfolk, MCAS Yuma, NAS Miramar, NAS North Island, VAL-4, VP-31, VP-9, VAW-110, VAW-117, VQ-4, VQ-3, and his beloved VAW-114 "HAWGS."
Once upon a time, on a day that looked like any other, Mitch met Cindy in Yuma, and together they made a life neither would have ever imagined possible. Mitch was the foundation of providing both comfort and joy. Retirement enabled Mitch to focus on his many interests. He was an avid fisherman, gardener, cook, and sports enthusiast, and he was passionate about doing for others. He often said he enjoyed his stress-free life! Mitch's kindness and commitment are well known. Mitch has been active in the Mesa View 3 Homeowners Association for the past 14 years and is a lifetime member of the Benefactor Circle at the Zoological Society of San Diego.
Mitch is survived by his wife and best buddy of 34 years, Cindy. He leaves behind his mother, Canzada Stevenson (age 96), his daughters, Beverly and Kelli, his sisters, Jacqueline Shanks (Ralph) and Marjorie Collins (Donald), and his brothers, Grover (Grace) and Benjamin. He was preceded in death by his son, Billy, his sister, June, and his brother, Jack. Mitch also has six beloved grandchildren, Cindy's brothers and their families, along with many well-loved nieces and nephews. Mitch's family will continue to share laughter, love, and "stories" with his friends, who have always been a part of our extended family, from coast to coast. Friendship is a promise made in the heart, unbreakable by distance, unchanged by time. Some people come into our lives and go quickly. Some stay for a while and leave footprints in our hearts, and we are never the same. It will be a big, scary world without you. 
(Sourced from: Legacy.com)

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