William Alfred Mitchell

Obituary William Alfred Mitchell passed away quietly Tuesday 8/16/2011 with his family at his side. Bill, the youngest and last surviving member of 14 children, was born on 4/9/1921 in Tacoma WA. He is survived by Virginia Mitchell, his wife of 68 years; two daughters, Marilyn Sharpe and Linda Little; three grandchildren, Robert Sharpe, Megan Baek, Stephanie Devenny and great grandson, William Sharpe. While Virginia worked as a welder in the Shipyards of Seattle, Bill served his country in the US Army in Attu Alaska during WWII. After returning home from the war, Bill and his wife Virginia began their new life by building the only home the family would come to know and love. For 43 years Bill stepped out his front door and made that walk to the Tacoma Smelter; not once missing a day due to illness. A gentle man with a huge heart and a quick wit, he was proud of his life and his family. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than seeing his grandchildren come to visit and no love was greater than his love of family. Bill was a story teller and a true handyman who could build or fix anything. He had a thirst for knowledge and was always willing to share his stories and knowledge while helping others. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, boating, gardening and cooking. There was no better smoked salmon than a fresh piece from his smoker. Services will be held Saturday at Gaffney Funeral Home on 1002 S Yakima Ave, followed by a graveside ceremony at Calvary Cemetery.