William Harry Mitchell passed away Monday, September 5, 2016 at his home. He was the youngest son of Averette Nance Mitchell and Elizabeth Parker Mitchell. Born August 9, 1919, he was ninety-seven years old. A lifelong resident of Fairmont, he was a farmer, tobacconist, carpenter, and a preparer of meals. He was a steward of the land. He planted thousands of longleaf and loblolly pines, hundreds of live oaks and cypress trees and magnolias, dozens of fig bushes and azaleas. He built ponds and cabins and homes and maintained it all with a classic southern style and grace. He was our connection to another time. He called everyone "honey".

He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Florence Anita Lester Mitchell and a son, Tommy.

He is survived by a daughter, Amanda M. Smith and her husband Fonnie, of Florence, SC, and a son Joey Mitchell of Fairmont and an oldest son William Harry Mitchell, Jr. and his wife Betty of Wake Forest, NC; three grandchildren, Will Mitchell, III and wife Heather of Boone, NC and Jonathan Mitchell of Raleigh, NC; a granddaughter, Britt, (fiancé Jaime Gutierrez) of Asheville, NC, and a great- granddaughter named Nora Marie.

The family will receive friends and well -wishers Thursday evening, September 8, 2016 from 6:00-8:00PM at the home, 407 Church St. Fairmont.

A Graveside service will be held Friday, September 9, 2016 at 12:00 Noon at Floyd Memorial Cemetery in Fairmont with Revs. Sean Gallagher and Joseph Bounds officiating.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church P.O. Box 663 Fairmont, NC 28340.