John Marcus Mitchell, 55, of Opelika, entered his eternal home on Sept. 21, 2022, following an extended illness.
A native of Opelika, John was born on Feb. 23, 1967, and was a 1985 graduate of Opelika High School. At the tender age of 12, he began helping in his family’s business, Mitchell’s TV & Appliance, where he worked until 1991 when he founded Protech Electronic Manufacturing Co., manufacturer of electronic circuit boards. In 2005, John became a licensed commercial real estate agent.
John was a self-proclaimed trouble-starter and trendsetter. He instilled in his daughters the importance of taking “mental pictures” of the beauty around them, never missing the opportunity to point out a spectacular sunset and other sights. When his girls were in school, he took pride in always packing the perfect lunchbox and he cherished the years he coached Maria and her friends in softball. He also enjoyed time on the family farm, especially fishing.
John was preceded in death by his father, Claude “Boots” Mitchell, his paternal and maternal grandparents and several aunts and uncles.
John, who had a nickname for all his girls, is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 32 years, Kathy “Cadillac” Gentle Mitchell; his three beautiful daughters, Maria “Rue” Mitchell of San Jose, California, Elise “Bubblegum” Walker and her husband, John Michael of Auburn, and Julia “Shorty” Washburn and her husband, Mitchell, of Charleston, South Carolina. He is also survived by his mother, Claire Mitchell of Opelika, sister Angela (Porter) Calhoun of Franklin, Tennessee and brothers, Grady (Arlene) of Bakersfield, Californina and Jeff of Auburn; one niece and one nephew.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Royal of Opelika for his continuous care of John throughout his illness and John and Kathy’s neighbors and friends, Chris and Kathy Niswender of Opelika.
Contributions can be made in John’s name to the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF) at nadf.us or P.O. Box 95149, Newton, MA 02495.
Visitation with the family was at St. Michael’s Church in Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika. After burial, the family invited family and friends to join them for lunch back at St. Michael’s. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory handled the arrangements.
