Mr. William Edward Mitchell, age 86 of Morrow passed away August 21, 2017. With a stony bearing, quick to break into a smile and deep chuckle, William (Bill) Edward Mitchell lived a life of passion and patriotism. Born on March 27, 1931, Bill spent his childhood in Meridian, Mississippi. He entered the Armed Forces at the age of twenty where he served with honor and dedication in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After twenty-three years of service, Bill retired with the rank of Sergeant Major. His last post was Assistant Inspector General at Fort McPherson. Bill earned many commendations during his career, including the Bronze Star, the Army Meritorious Service, the Air Medal, the Viet Nam Honor Medal, and the Cross-of Gallantry. Bill continued to live out his deep love for his country over the next twenty years as he worked for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service where he retired as Assistant Human Resources Manager. Even in his retirement, Bill was an active voice in support of both the military and law enforcement. Bill loved his family with the same zeal and loyalty with which he served his country. His consuming love for his wife, Betty, was evident by the shimmer in his gaze whenever he would glimpse her. The swell of pride in his chest when he spoke of his sons, Steve, Mark, and Doug would overflow to his eyes as they sparked with love. And his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren could melt his gruff, Sergeant Major exterior to unbridled glee and love in moments. Patriot and Patriarch, that was Bill. He lived his life fully and well. Bill's legacy lives on in all those whose lives he touched with his no-nonsense heart of gold. For all those who knew him, I'm sure you can see his forehead crinkle, his cheeks lift high in a laugh of mischief and blunt truth as he says, "In lieu of flowers, the deceased requests that cash be given to the family to pay for this overpriced funeral." And his laugh rings-his eyes glint in triumph as you join. I can still see it. I hope you can too. Surviving are his wife: Betty Mitchell, sons: Steve Allmand and wife Renee of Winter Springs, FL., Mark Mitchell and wife Linda of McDonough and Doug Mitchell and partner Ed Calcote of Dallas, TX., grandchildren: Keilani Allmand Roberge, Mitchell Allmand, Olivia Taylor, Sierra Allmand, Israel Allmand, Hannah Mitchell and Adan Mitchell, great-grandchildren: Lukas Taylor, Kai Taylor, Addy Taylor and Audrey Taylor. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2017 at First Baptist Church Jonesboro Chapel with Rev. Irvin Pearre officiating. Interment will be at Sherwood Memorial Park. The Family will receive friends from 1 until 3 p.m. Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pregnancy Care Center, 158 S. Main St. Jonesboro, GA 30236. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Inc., Jonesboro/Stockbridge 770-210-2700 www.fordstewartfuneralhome.com