Billy Lee Mitchell, a resident of Vilonia for 56 years, went to be with the Lord on August 20, 2020, at the age of 78.
Billy was born on November 12, 1941, in Jacksonville, Arkansas to Bruce and Irene (Paige) Mitchell. He graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in 1959. Following his education, he joined and served in the National Guard for 7 years. He met Mary Jo Baker in Vilonia after she threw a snowball and hit him. On June 1, 1962, they were married and remained together for 58 years. He was a Christian and member of the Vilonia Methodist Church where he taught adult Sunday School, served on many boards, as well as serving as the past president of the administrative council. He was a 32nd degree Master Mason and a member of the El Paso Lodge #65.
Billy looked for every opportunity to serve his local community and help his fellow man. He served as Past President of the Jaycees, the Optimist Club, The Vilonia Lions Club, the Faulkner County Council on Aging and Senior Citizens. He was a charter member of the Community Foundation of Faulkner County, a Chairman and charter member of the Vilonia Senior Citizens Center that opened twenty-five years ago. He was a member of the Vilonia City Council for 12 years. He also volunteered for the Salvation Army and United Way.
He retired from Smith Ford in Conway as a Service Advisor.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 58 years Mary, his daughter, Connie (Chris) Krehbiel, of Mount Vernon; his grandson, Cody Krehbiel (Sarah) of Vilonia; two great-grandchildren, Kaiden and Kaci; three sisters, Jerri Higgins of Springdale; Alverta Gay of Benton; Linda Swindell of Bentonville; as well as a host of extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Maxine.
His life will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2020, in the Vilonia Cemetery with Pastor Gordon Lemings officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Billy's honor to St. Jude Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or American Heart Association 7272 Greenville Avenue; Dallas, TX 75231-4596.
PLEASE RESPECT ALL COVID-19 SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES DO NOT ATTEND THE SERVICE IF: You have ran a fever within 2 days of the service, if you have had a cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms typical of COVID-19, or if you have had known exposure to anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. YOU MAY WISH TO REFRAIN FROM ATTENDING IF: You are 65 years of age or older, you have underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, severe obesity, asthma, or weakened immunity.
Services are under the care and direction of Vilonia Funeral Home 1134 Main Street Vilonia, AR 72173. Sign the online guestbook at www.viloniafuneralhome.com.