of Little Rock, AR

February 8, 1934 - March 25, 2025

William H. (Sonny) Mitchell, 91, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on March 25th, 2025 in Guy, Arkansas.

He was born on February the 8th, 1934 in Grant County to Willie and Bessie Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Audrey Mitchell; baby daughter, Tina Marie; grandson, Landon Smith; his parents; one brother and three sisters.

He is survived by his children, Deborah Smith (Max), William A. (Tony) Mitchell (Wendy) and Rita James (Wesley); six grandchildren, Leah Smith, Candace Mitchell, Michelle Ross, Krystle Hooten, Mitchell James and Kenny James and ten great-grandchildren.

Sonny proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from November 1951 to 1954 during the Korean War. He was very patriotic as evidenced by the many military caps he had in his collection of hats. One of his favorite stories was one where he had driven Dwight Eisenhower around the base before he was ever President of the United States, He said he was a real down to earth, friendly guy.

After returning home from his service in the military, he met his bride of 65 years, Audrey Jane and together they had four children. He always said that there was never a sweeter, smarter, more beautiful woman on earth than his wife and he said it often! He was well known for his love of babies and children, whether they were his or not. Every time he visited family or friends who had children, he made SURE he had a pocket full of lollipops or bubble gum. He alone probably kept several area pediatric dentists in business.

Not only did he have great love for his family, he also loved his career. He worked as an A-1 Diesel Mechanic for Arkansas Best Freight (ABF) for 35 years. His dedication, hard work and excellent work ethic were highly recognized, admired and appreciated by the ''Big Bosses'' (as he referred to them).

Sonny was proud to be a 32nd Degree Mason and was actively involved in the Western Hill Lodge until he moved away from Little Rock.

He was an avid fisherman and loved to bass and crappie fish. When he could no longer tolerate the strenuous fishing trips, he settled for feasting on fish caught by other family and friends. He passed on his love of fishing to his wife and children and they spent many weekends together reeling them in. Even his youngest daughter could clean the fish at an early age, since his motto was ''you catch em, you clean em''.

Sonny loved to read, whether it was his Bible, a western or a good mystery. You could always find him on his back porch on a sunny day, smoking his cigars and reading a good book. He liked to go to bed a little early, just so he could read awhile before going to sleep. He told his daughters many times that he believed that he may have read every Louis L'Amour and John Grisham book written.

He loved the Lord and was baptized in the creek as a teenager. He also loved his home church, Ironton Baptist in Little Rock where he attended as often as his failing health would allow.

His family and friends loved and will always remember his adventurous storytelling. His two daughters, who have taken care of him for the last four years, have heard many old stories as he re-lived his glory days when his short-term memory failed him. Through his stories, there was enough humor and wisdom to last a lifetime. Daddy, aka Papaw is loved and will be missed more than he could ever have imagined.

Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Ironton Baptist Church with the funeral service beginning a 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Ironton Cemetery.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com