William Mitchell

W.C . (Billy) Mitchell, Jr., 91, passed away October 11, 2016 in Midland, Texas. Billy was born February 2, 1925 in his grandmother's house in San Antonio, Texas to Ethel Watters Mitchell and W.C. Mitchell, Sr. He grew up in a ranching family and lived most of his life in Pecos County, attending Fort Stockton schools. After graduating from Fort Stockton High School in 1942, he attended North Texas Agriculture College in Arlington, Texas (now called University of Texas - Arlington) for one year prior to enlisting in the United States Air Corps where he served as a B17 mechanic. He married the "girl next door", Mary Flo Warnock in 1948 and they made their lifelong home in Fort Stockton where they raised their two children, James (Jamie) W. Mitchell and Rebecca Sue (SuSu) Mitchell Dyess. He owned and managed a Texaco station before working as a ranch foreman for the Herbert Brown ranch in Terrell County. From 1953 to 1968 he owned and operated the Ford dealership, Fort Stockton Motor Company. In 1968, he sold the dealership and returned to his real passion, ranching, by leasing the Cerf Ranch. After retiring in 1975, he and Flo were blessed to spend many wonderful years touring the United States in their RV and spending time with many friends they met through their travels.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, a sister, Rosella Kerr, and his lifelong mate Flo. He is survived by his son Jamie and his wife Judy of The Woodlands, Texas, SuSu Dyess and her husband Wayne of Fort Stockton, Texas, grandchildren Jill L. Herington and husband Brad of Franklin, Tennessee, Jodie Kimling and her husband Todd of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Josh Dyess and his wife Nikki of San Antonio, Chris Dyess and his wife Kylee of Haslet, Texas, and 10 great grandchildren.

Pall Bearers are Josh Dyess, Chris Dyess, Bob Hayter, Jimmy Tillotson, Neil Woodward and John Morrow. In lieu of flowers please make your donations to the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Stockton.

Visitation will be on Saturday, October 15th, 2016, from 5-7pm at Heritage Funeral Home in Fort Stockton, Texas. Dr. Reverend Jim Miles will be officiating. Graveside service will begin at 11am on Monday, October 17th, 2016, at the East Hill Cemetery in Fort Stockton, Texas.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com

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