Dr. Ray F. Mitchell

Dr. Ray F. Mitchell, 90, a resident of Picayune, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2011. He was a resident of Biloxi from 1949 until 2005, when he returned to Picayune. Ray was born June 11, 1921, in Picayune, MS, the second son to Jake and Carrie Mitchell. He was a graduate of Picayune Memorial High School, attended Pearl River Community College and graduated from Northern Illinois College of Optometry. He practiced optometry in Biloxi from 1949 until his retirement in 1998. Dr. Mitchell was a man with a great passion for his family, his church, his community and his country. His studies at Pearl River Community College were interrupted by his enlistment in the Infantry of the U.S. Army during World War II. He served in the Burma China India Theater with distinction. Ray was a Sergeant Major with Merrill's Marauders. For his service he received many honors including the Bronze Star with a V for Valor and the Purple Heart. Ray was an active member of his community and church. He was past president of the Mississipi Optometric Association, past president of the Mississippi Board of Optometric Examiners, a founding member of the Biloxi Businessmen's Club, life time member of Rotary International and a Paul Harris Fellow. Ray was a member of First Baptist Church of Picayune and a former member of First Baptist Church of Biloxi for more than 55 years where he served as a deacon and in many other capacities of the church. He was an avid fisherman enjoying countless hours on the water with his many friends. Ray will be greatly missed by family and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Harmon Mitchell, and his daughter, Marsha L. Mitchell. Left to cherish his memory are: his son, Dr. James M. Mitchell of Waco, TX, his grandchildren, Brian (Tracy) Davis of Vestavia Hills, AL, Kathryn J. Mitchell and Molly E. Mitchell of Manchester, CT, Jacob M. Mitchell of Waco, TX, his sister, Mrs. Judy (Warren) Seal of Picayune, MS, two great-grandsons, Micah and Joshua Davis, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church, 1560 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, from 9:30 - 11:00 am, Thursday, November 17, 2011, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at 2:30 pm in New Palestine Cemetery, Palestine Road, Picayune, MS. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Mississippi Chapter, 196 Charmant Drive, Suite 4, Ridgeland, MS 39157-4353.