Willard “Woody” Mitchell, 68

Willard “Woody” Joseph Mitchell of Middleburg, FL, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2023 at 8:49 am after battling prostate cancer.

Woody was born in East St. Louis, IL to his late parents, Earl Thomas and Myrtle Rudell Mitchell on November 26, 1954.

He spent his childhood in Washington Park, IL.  From there, he joined the United States Army and spent almost 7 years serving with the Big Red 1 as a microwave communications technician. During his time in the Army, he married Cindy Ayn Skeens on February 5, 1977 and lived in Ft. Hood, TX. After his military service, Woody and Cindy moved to Springfield, MO where they were blessed with Jennifer, Jessica and Woody before they moved to Troy, IL in 1987. Woody and Cindy moved to their retirement home in Middleburg, FL in September 2020.

He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor along with his dedication to his family.  Woody is known for being an avid reader, his love of animals, mechanical and woodworking skills and watching NASCAR and the St. Louis Cardinals.  He always dreamed of having his own ’32 Ford Coupe, which became a reality that he enjoyed over the last couple of years.  He had many lifelong friends that he cherished and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle and cousin.

Woody is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cindy Mitchell; children Jennifer Cunningham (Blake), Jessica Hollis (Daniel), Woody Mitchell (Aimee); grandchildren Camille, Kaleb, Oren, Anora, Carson, Brynlee, and two more expected in October; sister Jan Mathison (Dan); brother Brian Mitchell (Vita); and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Thomas Mitchell and Ricky Mitchell.

A small family memorial service will be held at HighPoint Community Church on March 25, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to V for Victory, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5RW2DTHV5C772 and Roberts Care Center with Haven Hospice, https://beyourhaven.org/donate.