Patrick Mitchell , Sr

Patrick Joseph Mitchell, Sr, Age 64

Wildland Firefighter/Park Specialist

Patrick Mitchell, Sr, born March 11, 1957, in Bayonne, NJ, to Lawrence Edward Mitchell(deceased) and Frances Bruso Mitchell, of Florida, passed unexpectantly on May 14, 2021.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Linda Edgens Mitchell (formerly of Lewes, Delaware); and his 2 sons and a daughter all of Florida, Patrick Mitchell, Jr (Ashley), Amanda Woods (Jimmy), and Andrew Mitchell (Sarah); and 7 grandchildren, Taylor, Riley, Haley, Tyler, Kaden, Kara, and Zachary.  Pat is also survived by his sister, Frances McAllister (Thomas) of Florida, and his brother, Larry Mitchell (Rhonda) of Georgia.

Pat worked for the State of Florida for 42 years of dedicated service as a wildland firefighter and park specialist for the Division of Forestry and Department of Environmental Protection.  After his retirement in April 2019, he and Linda moved to Hiawassee, Georgia, to be in the mountains where he dreamed of making his home.  There, he continued to enjoy golfing, fishing, cooking, and gardening.

Pat was a born outdoorsman, a hunter, and a weather connoisseur.

He knew and loved everything about nature.  He was a gentle giant, who could take down a wild boar when necessary on the one hand and calm children’s fears on the other.

Pat leaves behind many friends he has made through his life’s journey.  He never knew a stranger and those that came to know Pat found him to be a kind, dependable, loving soul.  He is remembered by his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends for having the strength of a bear and the heart of an angel.

On Pat’s behalf, the family would like to express their deep appreciation for the outpouring of support from the medical team and neighbors during this most stressful time.

Arrangements are in the care of Banister-Cooper Funeral Home, Hiawassee, GA.  In celebration of Pat’s life and his love of nature, please honor his memory by planting a tree of your choice…

REMEMBER:  “Only you can prevent forest fires!”

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date in Florida.