Billie Eugene Mitchell

Billie Eugene Mitchell, 88 years of age, of Ellettsville passed away at his home on Woodyard Road on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 where he resided since 1931 when he was 5 years old. Billie was born on the Mitchell Farm in Smithville, Indiana on December 6, 1926 to his parents, Leon Isaac Mitchell and Violet Pearl (Stewart) Mitchell. Billie was born and raised as a farmer for many years and graduated from Ellettsville High School in 1944. Billie joined the United States Navy during World War II and upon his return home he continued to help with the farm driving and hauling grain for Kelly’s Feed Store in Ellettsville which was located at the end of Sales St. near the old Garrett House and East of the old fall festival stage. He was a welder and mechanic, earning extra money at home working on anything you brought to him and fabricating anything you needed to make it work. His son’s recollection of their first motorcycle was a bicycle that Billie mounted a motor on with a fan belt supplying the power to the rear wheel. (Yippee) Billie was half owner with Bob Wolfe as a mechanic as they raced their 1938 Ford Coupe stock car at the old Bloomington Speedway on Friday nights. Billie worked at the Old Farm Bureau Co-Op in Bloomington (now the White River Co-Op) as a mechanic working on Cockshutt and Co-Op tractors and any other kind of farm machinery that needed repair. When Billie wasn’t working tirelessly, trying to take care of his family, he loved rabbit, squirrel, and deer hunting with his friends. He took fishing trips to Canada and collected old cars having 7 1920 models and a 1931 Essex. He also collected old tractors, a John Deere, a Co-Op, an Alice Chalmers and several Farmalls. He loved to play with his old bulldozer. Billie loved his beagle dogs, especially “Frannie”, his favorite. Billie retired from Public Service Indiana after 33 years and retired from MCCSC as a school bus driver of 10 years. He was a member of the VFW Post 604. Billie became a surrendered born again Christian in 1983 and as an active member of the Ellettsville House of Prayer. He drove the choir to the many places they sang. He even bought the church bus that he drove them in. Billie and Phyllis, along with his parents, Leon and Violet donated the property that the church is sitting on today. Leon became a supporting member of the House of Prayer for many years up until his passing. Billie would help to mow the lawn and support the church financially and physically up until his illness. "Brother Dad" as everyone in the church called him, will be greatly missed BUT we'll see him again at GATE 8!!! Billie is survived by his sons, Steven and Donna Mitchell, Larry and Gracie Mitchell; daughter, Sue Ann and Jesse Robinson all of Ellettsville; six grandchildren, Ellen, Billie, and Melanie Mitchell of Germany, Buddy (Natalie) Mitchell, Sean (Ann) Mitchell, and J.C. (Nicole) Robinson of Ellettsville; ten great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Lexi, Hannah, Shawna, Zach, Gracyn, Evan, Hayli, Hadlie, Danny and Levi; three great-great-grandchildren, Ayden, Eli, and Kloe Anne; and one of his two twin sisters, June Nikirk of Ellettsville. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Phyllis Ann who passed away in 1995; his parents, Leon and Violet Mitchell; brother, Bob Mitchell; sister, Jean Voightschild; adopted brother, Joe, and his grandson, Jeremiah Mitchell. A Celebration of Life will be held at the House of Prayer, 4100 N. Hartstrait Road, Ellettsville on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Larry Mitchell and Bro. John Baker officiating. Entombment is to follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens with military honors provided by the Monroe County Honor Guard. Visitation will be at the church on Monday, August 17, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the services.

Billie Eugene Mitchell

December 6, 1926 - August 12, 2015