Michael Hayes "Mike" Mitchell

Mike Mitchell, a lifelong resident of Winston County, Mississippi, died peacefully on June 27, 2026, at University Hospital, in the embrace of his loving family. Mike was born a short 71 years ago, the second of Bruce Mitchell’s and Sue Kirkpatrick Mitchell’s three children. He grew up on the beautiful rolling farmland of the Kirkpatrick family on Highway 25, south of Louisville. He spent much of his boyhood working beside his parents, his grandparents, Hayes and Ollie Kirkpatrick and Earl and Marie Mitchell, and his uncle, Randolph Kirkpatrick. Mike had a keen, curious mind. He inherited his parents’ and grandparents’ strong work ethic and joined naturally in the family’s cattle and timber farming, peach and pecan orchards, and corn, cotton and soybean fields. It wasn’t long before he was able to “do it all,” whether felling tall pine trees, stringing barbed wire, picking peas, or welding a cracked hay baler. Mike raised catfish and was a marvelous handler of cows, dogs, and wildlife. He loved to operate heavy equipment - tractors, bulldozers and track hoes and was an adept metal worker and woodworker.. He was a superb fisherman, a crack-shot hunter, and an excellent pool player. Mike enjoyed traveling - he loved going to the beach with family, taking summer road trips across the country, and deep-sea fishing expeditions. Years ago, Mike’s sense of adventure led him to build and fly an ultralight airplane. What joy it brought him to be able to fly over the family’s farm and the surrounding communities in his own plane! Mike was an avid reader. He attended public school in Louisville and graduated from Louisville High School in 1972. He went on to attend and graduate from Mississippi State University, where he majored in Forestry. After graduation, he earned certification as a Registered Forester and performed timber management services for numerous private landowners in Mississippi. Mike’s expertise in the timber industry was well-respected and his “word was his bond.” Mike was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church and accepted Christ at an early age. Like his father and mother before him, Mike was faithful in his attendance and steadfast in his support. He proudly sang in the church’s choir for many years. On February 6, 1988, Mike married Sharon Holder. Their life together was one of unwavering love and devotion to each other, their family, and church. Mike and Sharon were true partners in life, parenthood, and grandparent-hood, not to mention their peaches, pecans and peanuts! Sharon’s mother Susie has loved living with Mike and all his blessings. He became quite a cook and baker and took pride in his carefully prepared deer meat, roasts, fried catfish and cookies. Mike was a kind and generous soul. He had a warm smile, easy, likeable manner, and a cheerful, yet piercing sense of humor. He loved his country. Regrettably, Mike’s health steadily declined during the past few years. Nevertheless, he found the strength and spirit to continue working, supporting his family, church and community, and living life to the fullest. Mike was the proud father of his daughter, Brooke Carpenter (Lyndon), and two sons, Hayes Mitchell (Addie) and Jordan Mitchell (Danielle). He was a loving grandfather to Erin Carpenter, Kinsley, Addison, Mattie Grace, Hayden, Wyatt, and Michael Mitchell, and Ashlyn Mitchell. His sisters, Judy Mitchell Wiener (Joshua) and Jan Mitchell, adored him and rightly so. Mike was loved and cherished by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. His untimely loss bears heavy on the many people whose lives he touched. May Mike’s memory always be a blessing. The family extends its grateful appreciation to Dr. Dustin Gentry of Louisville, and to the people of University Hospital, for their outstanding care and compassion throughout Mike’s final illness. Visitation is Friday, July 3, 10:00 a.m., Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m., Calvary Baptist Church, 2230 Old Robinson Road, Louisville, MS 39339, Memorials in Mike’s honor may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or a charity of your choice. Services are under the direction of Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.masseyfuneralhome.net.

Michael Hayes "Mike" Mitchell

August 5, 1954 - June 27, 2026

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Michael Hayes "Mike" Mitchell

August 5, 1954 - June 27, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification