Billy Ray Mitchell

Billy Ray Mitchell, 77, passed away at his home on April 25, 2020. A private family graveside service will be held Monday. Friends are invited to go by the funeral home, and sign the register Monday. 

Billy Ray was born in Greenwood, MS on November 14, 1942 to Archie Ray and Jewell Greenlee Mitchell. 

He attended Sidon Elementary School and Greenwood High School. He was known for his athletic ability, specifically his speed- a skill passed down to both of his sons who often broke records in track and field. After graduation Billy married Ellen Steed and together they had two sons, Mitch and Scott. Billy Ray loved coaching Mitch and Scott in baseball as well has his granddaughters' softball teams. He was “Pop” to everyone, children and parents. 

Billy Ray worked in the insurance business for 32 years where he earned many achievements including Salesman of the Year. In 1998 he retired and made the decision to farm cattle full time from his home in Carroll County and he was always looking for a “good bull”. Mike Whitfield was a special friend and mentor in this endeavor. 

He joined New Hope Christian Church at the age of six, then attended First Christian Church where he was a deacon for many years. In recent years, he was a longtime member of North Greenwood Baptist Church where he was a pillar member who took pride in greeting visitors and old friends alike, helping prepare breakfast for everyone on Sunday mornings, and being a familiar face who always met you with a hug and joke or two. Bro. Jim Phillips, Bro. Ricky Wheat, and Bro. Terry Barnes were a few of the influential people Billy connected with at NGBC that had a profound impact on his life and faith through the years. His church family meant so much to him and he was an admired and loved member of the congregation. Alongside being an active member of NGBC, Billy Ray kept his love for New Hope Christian Church alive by holding annual homecoming events and keeping the cemetery up to par. 

Billy Ray’s adult life was dedicated to the welfare and happiness of his family. They always came first. He was always thinking about others needs and was one of the most selfless men to be around. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Archie Ray, his mother, Jewell Greenlee, and his first born son, Mitch Mitchell. 

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ellen Steed Mitchell; son, Scott Mitchell (Rachel); daughter-in-law, Karen Mitchell; three sisters, Laura Young (Bill), Barbara Fields (Terry), Mary Joseph (George); one brother, David Mitchell (Charlotte); Nephews, Britt Mitchell and Clint, and niece, Brooke Reeves; grandchildren, Meagan Rae Little (Matthew), Mary Britton Nobile (Andrew), Jay Mitchell (Tinsley), Colby Mitchell (Amber), Devin Mitchell (Eric), Edi-Ann Mitchell; great grandchildren, Ford Little, Fisher Little, Georgia Little, Nettie Nobile, Hayes Dowell. He is also survived by lifelong friends including Jerry Galey, Terry Galey, and Billy Tate all of Greenwood. 

Special thanks to Dr. Michael Boler, Richard Kimmel, Bryan Thornhill, and Grace Hospice. 

Billy Ray took comfort in a few special verses from the Bible; John 3:16  Psalm 23  James 1:12 (NIV)

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

New Hope Cemetery

94 County Road 303

Greenwood, MS 38930

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