Benjamin Ferrell "Mitch" Mitchell

Mr. Benjamin Ferrell Mitchell “Mitch”, age 92, of Prentiss, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at age 92, after a short battle with lung cancer. Funeral services were held Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Saulters Moore Funeral Chapel in Prentiss, MS. Interment followed at the King Family Cemetery. Rev. Sessions Polk officiated. Pall bearers include Ed Crockett, Jerry Polk, George Davis, Bill Oliver, Jimmy Jackson, Lindsey Jackson, and Gary Jackson. Honorary pall bearers include the W. H. Livingston Sunday School class at Prentiss United Methodist Church, and caregivers Mary Gardner and LaShunda Gardner. Saulters Moore Funeral Home of Prentiss was in charge of all arrangements. Mitch was preceded in death by his wife, Mataline King Mitchell, married 62 years. They retired to Prentiss, MS, 43 years ago, from Corpus Christi, TX, where he worked for PPG. He was an active member of Prentiss United Methodist Church. He was born in Sylvester, TX, and was the son of Benjamin Franklin Mitchell and Gertrude Cox Mitchell. He had two brothers, Hollis and Price, now deceased. Survivors include his only child, Danny Mitchell, and wife Patty of Brandon. Mitch was survived by three grandchildren, Amy Mitchell of Manhattan Beach, CA, Ben Mitchell and wife Anna of Atlanta, GA, and Emily Mitchell of Tuscaloosa, AL. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and whom he entertained for hours when they were growing up. He was their special “Poppie”. Mitch was a WWII veteran and in the Army cadry preparing his soldiers for battle in the Pacific Theater in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska on the island of Attu. From his kind and gentle nature, one would never know he had taught hand-to-hand combat in the Army. He was a devoted husband and father and lived his life as a fine example for his son and grandchildren. He enjoyed weekends at his son’s cabin near Bassfield and loved to watch the birds. He built inviting blue bird houses, and the birds truly loved living in them. He was featured in MISSISSIPPI MAGAZINE for his craftsmanship in making miniature Victorian chairs out of aerosol cans. Mitch invented tools and devices for his own needs and pleasure and never ceased to amaze people with his artisanship. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Prentiss United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 494, Prentiss, MS 39474. Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.