Barry Aven Mitchell, 74, has gone home to be with our Lord and Savior. He passed surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, September 5th 2019 in Atlanta, GA.
Barry was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Mirt Mitchell Jr; his mother, Mildred Brakefield Mitchell; his brother, Eugene Mirt Mitchell III; his sister, Judy Mitchell Arnett. He leaves his wife, Jane Dyer-Fadgen Mitchell; his daughter, Emily Mitchell White; his son, Barry Andrew Mitchell; his brother, John Dennis Mitchell (Alice Mitchell); his sister, Jenny Mitchell Collins (Mike Collins); his grandson, Connor Mitchell White; many adoring nieces, nephews and close friends.
Born on August 1, 1945 and raised in Columbus, GA, the son of Gene and Mildred Mitchell. Barry was the fourth of five siblings, affectionately known as Ba-Ba. He was a basketball star at Columbus High School, helping his team win the 1962 Georgia State Basketball Championship. He attended Jacksonville State on a basketball scholarship and later graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelors degree in Business. After college he settled in Atlanta, GA employed as a salesman for W. R. Grace. There he flourished, building relationships and loyal clientele throughout the southeast. During that time he and his wife had their son, Drew and two years later their daughter, Emily. He was a devoted and loving father to his children, raising them as a single parent while managing a successful career. After many years at W.R. Grace, he left to join Harper Love and worked there as a salesman until he retired in 2016 . Barry was an avid sportsman who loved to play golf and watch Georgia Tech football. He passed on that love to his children and to his only grandson, Connor. Barry was a devout follower of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His servant leadership commitment, with North Ga. Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis, Tres Dias, and Holy Spirit Encounter communities, was important in his life as a member of the Body of Christ. He passed that love on to anybody that he came into contact with a hug, a kiss on the cheek and a great big smile. He made everyone feel special with his uplifting spirit and genuine caring nature. In honor of Barry his family will be holding a Celebration of Life Service at Wynnton United Methodist Church, 2412 Wynnton Rd. Columbus, GA 31906 on Saturday, October 5th at 10:30am. Family will greet guests in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to MUST Ministries (mustministries.org/give) or Alzheimers Association (act.alz.org).
