Dr. Ira Lyman Mitchell Sr., D.D.S., age 87, of Florence, Ala., died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011. Dr. Mitchell was born Jan. 1, 1924, in Tuscumbia, Ala., the son of Leo G. and Ethel Berry Mitchell. He was a graduate of Deshler High School, attended the University of Alabama and graduated from Auburn University in 1947. He attended the University of Tennessee at Memphis School of Dentistry and received his D.D.S. degree in 1949.
Dr. Mitchell is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Jean Wilson Mitchell; one sister, Martha Mitchell Johnston; one daughter, Melinda Mitchell Waters (Michael); two sons, Dr. Ira Lyman Mitchell Jr., (Kay) and James Wilson Mitchell (Kristi); five grandchildren, Michael David Waters Jr., Verlon Mitchell Waters (Tori), Laura Leacie Wilson Waters, Alison Mitchell Henninger (Erik), Dr. Michael Drew Mitchell (Heather), Kevin Butler Mitchell (Samantha) and Kyle Wilson Mitchell; four great-grandchildren, Lauren Reece Mitchell, Robin Blake Mitchell, Graham Allen Henninger and Ava Blakely Mitchell; and six nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Leo Griffin Mitchell and Ethel Berry Mitchell, and one brother, Dr. Whitman Griffin Mitchell.
While at Auburn, Dr. Mitchell was a member of Alpha Tau Omega social fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha musical honorary and fronted the "Auburn Knights" big band while playing trumpet with the orchestra. In dental school, he was a member of various honoraries and Zi Psi Phi social fraternity.
In 1949, Dr. Mitchell married Betty Jean Wilson, of Florence. He practiced dentistry in Florence for close to 50 years. Dr. Mitchell loved his profession and considered each of his patients to be a close personal friend. He was a member of the Alabama Dental Association, the Lauderdale County Dental Association and the Florence Rotary Club.
During World War II, Dr. Mitchell volunteered and served as a bomber pilot with the rank of second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was stationed at several locations, primarily flying B-25s and B-26s. His interest in aviation continued throughout his life as he enjoyed studying plane design and advances in flight. He was a supporter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, and received the Silver Good Citizenship Medal in 1994 from the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
An active member, until his recent illness, of First Presbyterian Church in Florence, Dr. Mitchell enjoyed participating in all church functions, including hosting church youth groups at his summer home on Shoal Creek as his children were growing up. He served as a deacon of the church.
An original member of Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club, Dr. Mitchell greatly enjoyed his Wednesday afternoon golf games and will be remembered as having made the first hole in one on the new golf course. He also was an avid snow skier and enjoyed water sports with his family at his lake home where he annually planted a large vegetable garden.
A deep love of music and a talent for playing the trumpet were evidenced early in Dr. Mitchell's life. He formed his first band at the age of 14 and helped establish the first marching band at Deshler High School. In addition, Dr. Mitchell played his trumpet professionally throughout college and dental school. He continued his association with the Auburn Knights throughout his life, attending reunions with his wife at Auburn, Ala., for many years. During these events, Dr. Mitchell would both play his trumpet and direct the 1940s reunion band. He also played trumpet in the orchestra for many musicals presented by the Florence Summer Musical Theatre. At times, he would move from the "pit" to join his wife on stage in character roles as well.
Several years ago, Dr. Mitchell became interested in forming a local orchestra that would provide concerts with music from the "Big Band Era." With the assistance of several area musicians, he formed "The Big Band" in 1979. Fronting The Big Band and playing with these talented musicians were great joys for Dr. Mitchell and a highlight in his life. Performances of The Big Band were popular events throughout northwest Alabama. Concerts were given to raise funds for scholarships and other needs of the University of North Alabama Marching Band, and for other area nonprofit organizations.
Always a strong and vibrant gentleman, Dr. Mitchell deeply loved his family and was happiest when he and his wife were surrounded by their children and grandchildren. Even throughout his final illness, he remained the patriarch of his family, binding them together with devotion and affection.
The family expresses their sincere appreciation to the administration and staff of Mitchell-Hollingsworth Nursing Home and Summit Rehab for their constant, loving and professional treatment. The family also wishes to thank Dr. John Bartmess, Dr. Edsel Holden II and Dr. Felix Morris for their wonderful attention and care.
A celebration of Dr. Mitchell's life will be at First Presbyterian Church, 224 E. Mobile St., on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, Dr. Richard Gillespie officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. in the church library followed by a memorial service in the church sanctuary beginning at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Greenview Memorial Park, Elkins Funeral Home directing.
Pallbearers will be Michael David Waters Jr., Verlon Mitchell Waters, Dr. Michael Drew Mitchell, Kevin Butler Mitchell, Kyle Wilson Mitchell, Erik Allen Henninger, Gregory Don Johnston, Rayford Perdue Kytle III and James Wilson Kytle.
Honorary pallbearers will be Edsel Holden, Dr. Rivers Lindsey, Dr. James F. Thompson, Dr. Ed Jones, Dr. Lloyd Jones and members of The Big Band.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in honor of Dr. Mitchell to the University of North Alabama Pride of Dixie Marching Band in care of Dr. Lloyd Jones, Box 5240, University of North Alabama, Florence, AL 35632, or the First Presbyterian Church of Florence or a charity of your choice.