Officials said that the Lockheed C-130 Hercules was flying very low because of a military funeral service in Piney Grove near the Franklin and Colbert County line.
This type of ceremony is usually for Airmen of The United States Air Force that are rated officers such as pilots, navigators, air battle managers, observers, and flight surgeons. Career enlisted aviators flight engineers, loadmasters, and boom operators are also eligible for this type of ceremony.
The Airman honored was 41-year-old Lt. Col. William Michael Mitchell of Shalimair, Florida, formerly of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, passed away Friday, Sept. 5, 2014.
- Source: http://www.waff.com
Obituary for Lt. Col William Mitchell
Lt. Col. William Michael Mitchell, age 41. Of Shalimair, Florida formerly of Muscle Shoals, Alabama passed away Friday, September 5, 2014. His family will welcome friends for visitation Friday, September 12, 2014 from 5-7pm at Colbert Memorial Chapel. Dennis Hasha will officiate the service on Saturday, September 13, beginning at 2pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Piney Grove Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jennifer Leigh Williams Mitchell; father, Billy Mitchell; mother, Joyce Mitchell; sons, William Jacob Mitchell, and Dawson Elias Mitchell; daughter, Clara Naomi Mitchell; and sisters, Suzanne Livingston (Lee), Lynn Robinson (Mark), and Lora Bonham (Craig).
Members of the United States Air Force will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Flannagan, Trent Jeffreys, Jon German, Lee Livingston, Mark Robinson, Craig Bonham, Ian Fritz, and Brandon Fritz.
Mike was a “plankholder” in the 3rd Special Operations Squadron, Dragon #12, one of only a handful of the original Airmen who established that highly effective combat unit from scratch in the most challenging of conditions. He was an expert marksman. Mike served in the United States Air Force for 15 years. He was a decorated pilot and flew the C-130, Predator drone, C-145, MC130E- Combat Talon and served several tours of duty in foreign countries including Afghanistan as a member of the 8th Special Operations Unit. He was also Chief of Standards and Evaluations of the Predator an unmanned aircrafts. He received numerous medals, awards, and commendations for bravery and service.
Mike loved his children and wife dearly. He was on the board of the Shalimar Athletic Association where his son, Eli, played football. He was an avid supporter of Choctawhatchee High School Football where his son, Jake, plays. Mike also loved attending Gymnastics meets where his daughter, Clara, competed.
Mike was always famous for his jokes and ability to make everyone laugh. His smile was contagious and lit up the room. Mike was not only a dependable and loving father, husband, son, and brother, he was also a great friend. Mike had a great love of music. He loved attending live music events with his family. Mike decided he wanted to play in a church talent show. In two weeks, he formed his own band with his two sons Jake and Eli and friends Hayden Bludworth and Nate Gilmore. They named their band “Unicorns and Rainbows”. Everyone loved them. He had a strong competitive spirit. Mike loved football and was an avid Auburn fan. He also loved the Atlanta
Falcons and Atlanta Braves, even in the bad years.
Everyone that knew Mike loved him. He would do anything for anyone, any time, any place. Mike left many great stories and memories that will never be forgotten. He will be missed immensely. Mike will join his precious son, Gus, as well as many dear friends and extended family that preceded him.
The family would like to thank the staff of the surgical intensive care unit at Sacred Heart Hospital and Dr. Samuel Cretidies for the excellent care and love shown to Mike and his family.
You may sign the online register at colbertmemorial.com.
Colbert Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.
- Source: http://www.greenviewmemorial.com
Officials said that the Lockheed C-130 Hercules was flying very low because of a
military funeral service in Piney Grove near the Franklin and Colbert County line.
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