Larry "Bruce" Mitchell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Larry “Bruce” Mitchell on Friday, June 8, 2018. Bruce was born on November 4, 1945 to Curtis Orville and Lola Audean Mitchell. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Ruby Lee Jones, Bobbie Lynn Kuykendall, Billy Jack Mitchell and Paul David Mitchell, and his brothers-in-law, Weldon Kuykendall and Louie Wood. He is survived by his sister Eva Mae Wood, and sisters-in-law Shirley Mitchell and Peggy Mitchell, as well as many nieces and nephews. The youngest of six children, Bruce lived a full life. He was a graduate of the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. While attending Alabama, Bruce was a member of the cheerleading squad and ROTC. After graduation, Bruce chose a career in teaching. His teaching career was widespread. He taught in Bogota, Columbia, in Bridgeport, Alabama and at a charter school in Colorado. Of course, Bruce spent the greatest amount of his career teaching in Dalton, Georgia at the high school. While teaching was one of his passions, Bruce helped direct school plays, sponsored school trips, and was part of the Dalton Little Theater group. In addition to these pursuits, Bruce had a regular column regarding cooking and recipes in the local newspaper. He took these recipes as well as others to publish a variety of cookbooks, including A Man’s Kitchen and Yeast Breads. In his spare time, Bruce researched his family history and published many books sharing the life and experiences of his ancestors. In December 1996, he was inducted as a member of the “First Families of Bledsoe County Tennessee.” He loved reading and held many book readings and signings in Dalton. He collected signed first edition books and donated many to Texas Tech University Library. He loved travelling around the world, movies, books, and the arts. In 1967, he was appointed an Honorary Lieutenant Colonial, Aide-de-Camp, on the Personal Military Staff to Governor Lurleen Wallace. When anyone was with him, they were never bored. He was plain spoken and one didn’t have to question him regarding his opinion on matters. Good or bad, he would let us know. He had an outrageous sense of humor and wonderful laugh. You never knew what he might say. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 16th at the Creative Arts Guild in Dalton, GA from 3:00 5:00 eastern standard time. In lieu of flowers, Bruce requested donations be made to the Dalton -Whitfield County Public Library or the Rainsville City Library. Bruce will be profoundly missed by his family and friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Ave. Dalton, GA; 706-529-5371.

Larry "Bruce" Mitchell

June 11, 2018