Anthony C. "Mitch" Mitchell, Sr.

An Extraordinary Man

Mr. Anthony C. Mitchell Sr., of Biloxi, MS gained his wings on Aug 3, 2023 at the age of 74. "Mitch", as he was affectionately known was born on Feb 28, 1949 in Biloxi to the union of Cornelius Mitchell, Jr., and Rosemary Gatlin Reed.

THE KID

Anthony, a Biloxi native was the first son and first grandson in his family which, engrained in his core, that he had to thrive. He was blessed to have elders who molded him, who exposed him early with life tools and skills that are essential to navigate life. Home Training! Do something with your life! His grandparents, his mom and Aunt Claudia were the wind beneath his wings.  

THE LEARNER

Anthony’s formative education was in the Public Schools of Biloxi, MS, namely, A.E. Perkins Elementary and M. F. Nichols Jr. and Sr. High Schools. He was a talented athlete and scholar. He was a proud member of the “Class of 1966”. The Viet Nam War interrupted his college years at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). During this departure he proudly served the U.S. Army as an Operation Room Technician. He returned to MVSU and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Sciences. He was employed as an electronics instructor at Keesler AFB for 30 years, where he was recognized countless   times as an outstanding instructor and employee.

THE SERVANT

Anthony would walk into any community discussion to do whatever he could.  His fortitude was unwavering. He epitomized what God meant in speaking to us that we are on earth to use our gifts. He was a “Boots on the Ground” guy, who gave of himself unconditionally.  Giving of himself transformed him to be a well-equipped Servant Leader.

THE MENTOR

Anthony was a natural teacher, with a magnetism for showing the young, the old, friend, strangers and the well-known, the way to a door of opportunity. This was a daily plight for him. Speaking life into someone with nuggets of wisdom that sparked empowerment and hope. He had an internal voice (God) that he was the foot soldier that a young person needed. Through the years the young men of the Kappa League and the youth programs of Second Liner Mardi Gras Club benefitted from his tutelage.  He was instrumental in supporting students to enroll at his beloved MVSU. 

THE ACTIVIST

Anthony lived by the Philosophy, “When You See Something, Say Something, Do Something”. He would not settle for the status quo.  In the 1960s, at the age of 14, he walked in the Biloxi Beach Wade-Ins which no doubt inspired and solidified his zeal to be the change he wanted to see in his community. In that regard, just his voice would sound the alarm that “hey folks, pay attention”. He initiated his own invitations to Community Meetings for the betterment of the City of Biloxi. He would show up to speak the truth, not once, but as many times as it took to make a positive change. Most recently, he was an influencer on a proclamation for change with the East Biloxi Community Collaborative and was instrumental in the creation of a STEM program at a local community center. Anthony left many new projects on the horizon to be brought to fruition by those who will take up his mantel.

THE FRIEND

Anthony was a man with countless friends. He thrived on these relationships. There were his “real peeps” that were readily available to Mitch as needed to accomplish any given tasks on any given day in Henry Beck Park. There was the “Fellas Crew” the ride or die guys that hosted the most sought-after backyard party in D’Iberville.  There was the Second Liner Mardi Gras Club family that he led as President for over twenty years.  There were his Local, State, Regional and National Kappa Nupes, who shared an unbreakable bond.  To know him was to witness a down-to-earth, fun-loving man, who took care of business as “Mitch” saw fit, infused with a lot of laughter.

THE PATRIACH

Anthony was preceded in death by his father Cornelius Mitchell, Jr., mother Rosemary Reed, brothers Karl Mitchell, Dwayne Mitchell, Alan Mitchell, William Mitchell and stepbrother Sidney Reed.  

Anthony loved his family with his whole heart and loved hard until the very end.

Anthony is survived by his wife of 55 years, Earline (High School sweetheart). Two sons, Anthony (Jacinda) Mitchell, Jr. (Austin, Texas); Jacques (Monica) Mitchell (Madison, MS), daughter, Anjanette Malone (Biloxi, MS), three sisters, Marie Dunn (Snellville, GA), Joy (Bruce) Love (Cartersville, GA), Iris Smith (Chesapeake, Virginia), an adopted sister, Gwendolyn Catchings (Biloxi, MS);  one Aunt, Loretta Mitchell Scurry (Atlanta, GA); one brother, Dale Mitchell (Ewing, New Jersey), stepdad Albert Reed, Jr. (Vancleave, MS); four grandsons, two granddaughters and two great-grandchildren.  A village of nieces, nephews, and cousins and his beloved extended Biloxi family.  

The legacy of Mitch's life will be celebrated with an evening viewing on August 10, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Infinity Funeral Home located at 184 Main Street in Biloxi, MS.
Viewing, a visitation will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023, starting at 10:00 AM at First Missionary Baptist Church on 658 Esters Blvd. in Biloxi. Both services will be a time for family and friends to gather and support one another as they remember Mitch's life.
A Celebration of Life service will follow the visitation at First Missionary Baptist Church at 11:00 AM.
Mitch will be laid to rest at Biloxi National Cemetery on August 11, 2023. The burial ceremony will begin at 1:30 PM where he will be honored for his service to our nation.

Although Mitch may no longer grace our lives with his warm smile and presence, his legacy of kindness, compassion, and love will continue to inspire us all. 

Infinity Funeral Home extends our sincere condolences to the family of Anthony C. "Mitch" Mitchell.