John Lewis Mitchell, Jr., 80, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Nov. 13, 2020 at East Alabama Medical Center.
John Lewis Mitchell, Jr. was born in Bibb County, Alabama on Aug. 15t 1940. At an early age, “John L.” developed what would become a life-long passion for hard work, working at his father’s sawmill and family store. He graduated from Maplesville High School, where he lettered in football, baseball, and basketball. Mr. Mitchell was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, where he traveled abroad on the USS Tidewater, a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and traveled throughout Europe during his military service. After serving his country in the Navy, he began his successful thirty-year career with Liberty National Life Insurance Company. Following his retirement, he enjoyed a second career for fifteen years with Dan Cannon at Cannon Carpet One.
John L.’s greatest passion was his family. His children came above all else, and he enjoyed coaching and supporting his son Keith play baseball and basketball, watching his son Lance play football, and listening to his son D. Mark broadcast Opelika athletics for 37 years. Later in life, his greatest joy was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he loved unconditionally, and who lovingly called him “Big Pops”.
A life-long athlete and sports enthusiast, John L. was a fan of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the New York Yankees. His fondest memory of his time in the Navy was attending a weekend series at Yankee Stadium in 1961. Mr. Mitchell loved golf and enjoyed playing with his friends into his seventies. John L. also coached youth sports for several years, forming special bonds with his players and leaving a life-long impact on many lives. He served on the City of Opelika Parks and Recreation’s Board, was a member of the Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Opelika/Auburn Elks Club for over fifty years. Mr. Mitchell was a member of First Baptist Church Opelika since moving to Opelika in 1977.
John L. is preceded in death by his parents, John Lewis Mitchell, Sr. and Sara McAfee Mitchell; sister, Martha Jo Mitchell; brother, Terry Randall Mitchell; nephew, Randall Keith Mitchell; half- brother, Quinton Mitchell; and half-sister, Mary Lee Glasscock.
John L. is survived by his wife of sixty years and high school sweetheart, Bettye Lawrence Mitchell (Nana), their sons John Keith (Sheila Buck) Mitchell of Jackson, Alabama; D. Mark Mitchell of Opelika, and Lance Randal Mitchell of Birmingham. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Whitney (Jonathan) Taylor of Semmes, Alabama; Mallory Mitchell of Opelika, AL; John-David (Samantha) Mitchell of Houston, Texas; Madison (Robert) Farmer of Houston, Texas, and Morgan (William) Turner of Jackson, Alabama; and five great-grandchildren: John-Michael Taylor, Paxton Smith Taylor, John Mark Farmer, Jaycee Lynn Turner, and Gaines Jackson Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell is also survived by his sister, Judy Mitchell Hill; sister-in-law, Patricia Latham Mitchell; half-sister, Johnnie Mitchell Davis; half-brother, Joe Willie Mitchell; and several nieces and nephews.
The Mitchell family sends a special thank you to his many doctors and caregivers.
The Mitchell family will have a “Celebration of Life” service Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, at 1 p.m., at First Baptist Church Opelika, in the main sanctuary with spaced seating. The family will hold a private burial prior to the service.