Willis Richard "Dick" Mitchell

Willis Richard “Dick” Mitchell, 89, of Blountville, TN passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Dick was born on June 8, 1936, in Arnold, Pennsylvania to the late Roy E. and Olive Mitchell. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his oldest brother, Roy E. Mitchell II, and his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Don Wroblewski.

He grew up and attended school in Pennsylvania with his two brothers and one sister. He enjoyed summers with his Grandmother Finley and older brother. After graduating from high school, Dick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and soon after met his wife, Peggy. They shared 68 wonderful years together. He then utilized the GI Bill to attend East Tennessee State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then began his career with General Motors as a Field Service Engineer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Still, he returned to East Tennessee for the remainder of his life, working at Sperry/Univac for 20 years, Digital Corporation in Greeneville, South Carolina, and finishing his career with Northeast State Technical College, teaching Statistical Process Control within the region's companies.

Dick’s true enjoyment came from spending many hours attending events with his children and grandchildren, as he loved being with his family. He was an avid sports fan and animal lover. Dick was a Little League Coach for football, baseball, and basketball. He was a youth minister and scout leader, and always supported his family. Dick was a member of Elizabeth Chapel Methodist Church for over 50 years, and you could catch him flipping chickens at the Annual Bazaar. He also chaired the Building Committee for the new sanctuary.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Peggy Jane Mercer Mitchell; brother and his wife, Donald and Pat Mitchell of McAllen, Texas; sister-in-law, Donna Mitchell of Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania; his son and his wife, Dr. Christopher Ray and Catherine Mitchell; his daughter and her husband, Pamela Ann and William Winters; granddaughter and her husband, Kelsey Nichole and Geovanni Solorzano; granddaughter, Amber Renee Hickman; grandson, William Blake Mitchell; grandson, Christopher Patrick Mitchell; great-grandson, Wyatt Alexander Stevens; and his great-granddaughter, Averi Camille Stevens.

Dick had a great respect for his country and fellow man. The good times, laughter, and memories will always be remembered by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, at Elizabeth Chapel Methodist Church at 4:00 pm. A Graveside will follow at 11:00 am on Monday, June 30th, 2025, at Mountain Home National Cemetery with American Legion Hammonds Post 3/Gate City 265 providing military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dick's honor to Elizabeth Chapel Methodist Church, 1041 Elizabeth Chapel Road, Bluff City, TN 37618.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.