Rick Gordon Mitchell

Ricky Gordon Mitchell, a friend, father, husband, and rabid Georgia Dawg, died on October 26th, 2014 with the body that lasted 63 years and a spirit that was perpetually young. He was born in Fort Benning, Georgia but spent most of his childhood and adolescence in Waycross, Georgia. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Victoria Mitchell; his four loving children, Maxwell Mitchell, Mason Mitchell, Merrick Mitchell and Elizabeth Chambers; and his dear sister, Kathy and her husband James Conoly and their sons Jake and Clint. But everyone who knew Rick knows his family was much larger. Every friend was loved like they were his children, played with like a sibling, and respected like a parent. With his contagious smile, infectious laugh, and quick wit, Rick made all those around him a part of his family forever. Though he was a die hard Bulldog, his children would like to remind everyone that Rick graduated from Ware Country High School as a Gator before earning his B.A. in business from Valdosta State College. He worked much of his life for the State of Florida, most recently as an Information Technology Business Consultant Manager, SSRC Change Manager, and Secretary of Southwood Shared Resource Center Board of Trustees. His certifications include PMP CISSP, FCCN, and SEGIS. He prided himself on sending funny emails, spending his lunch break working out and swimming laps at the local YMCA, and being involved in his community. Rick loved many things, but one thing above most was the annual World's Largest Cocktail Party in Jacksonville. He would yell "Go Dawgs", and "It's Great to-be a Gat-tor ha-ter!", until his voice gave out or until one of his two Gator sons threatened to throw his lucky hat out the window. No matter how many friends or family joined in on the shenanigans on a given year, Rick simply counted, held up that many fingers, and set off to scour the city for that many tickets (or one less) so that even if he couldn't, everyone else could enjoy the game. Rick loved the water, and took any chance he got to haul his boat, his kids, and whoever else that couldn't escape his enthusiastic invitation to the nearest body of it. Whether that was to inner tube, ski, snorkel, or simply comb the beach searching for shells and shark teeth he was always ready if you were. And while you would undoubtedly spend the day smiling, laughing, and chanting for another go-around, Rick spent it simply enjoying your company, telling you how much he appreciated you, and showing you how much he loved you. Rick read anything with a cover, from Ian Fleming to Stephen King, and even the graphic novel, The Walking Dead. Rick wrote his entire life, even spending a small part of his life studying the art of writing in Oxford, England. He wrote mostly poems. Poems about life or love, family and desires, religion and random thoughts. And while he may have never written the poems that our children and children's children will one day critique in school, Rick did complete his Masterpiece, or at least add a new chapter to it every year in crafting the most recent year's Christmas card. He crafted the family’s annual Christmas cards, a small novel that recounted the accomplishments and embarrassments of the past year. Without a doubt, the entire family waited anxiously and excitedly to see what spin Rick had placed on the year’s notable and ignoble moments. Every story had a way of making you smile. Of reminding you what it was to be a family. Of what it meant to be a part of Rick's life, and his ever-growing family. And in the end, that's all that Rick ever wanted. Rick’s path in life was a winding journey. His journey had trials and tribulations, but in the end, he found what he was always looking for – a wife to love, a church to belong to, a family to believe in, and a friend in God to be faithful to. Through St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Rick found a close relationship with the Lord. He led Alpha classes, volunteered with ECHO meals, and participated in Hands of Tallahassee. Rick Mitchell may not have ever earned enough money to open a Swiss bank account, buy that fancy beach house or commission any art. But Rick died a rich man. He worked every day of his life to earn a wealth of friends and family, a wealth he gladly shared in life and a wealth he now graciously leaves behind for all those he brought together to enjoy forever. Rick's life will be celebrated with a visitation on Wednesday, October 29, from 5-7 p.m. at Bevis Funeral Home (2710 N Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Fl, 32303). The Service will be held on Thursday, October 30, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Anglican Church (4784 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL, 32309) with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to St. Peter's "Adult Education Program." Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

Tributes

Rick Gordon Mitchell

September 9, 1951 - October 26, 2014