Mitchell’s long battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease ends
By Charlie Smith
Staff Writer
Monday, January 26, 2009 12:11 PM CST
Mitch Mitchell inspired many in the Greenwood community through his courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.


The Pillow Academy Lady Mustangs, for one, could always count on him for support and encouragement at every game, home and away.

“He was such a fighter, such an inspiration to all the girls,” Head Coach Durwin Carpenter said. “He came to all the games and was always so positive.”

Last year, the junior high team — which Mr. Mitchell’s daughter, Devin, played on — dedicated their season to him. This season the varsity squad had worn red armbands in at least one game in his honor and also had written scriptures of hope and prayer for him on their forearms.

Mr. Mitchell, 47, died Sunday at Greenwood Leflore Hospital, secure in the promises of God, according to his pastor, the Rev. Jim Phillips of North Greenwood Baptist Church.


“It was just really a sweet release to know that he was well and in heaven,” Phillips said.

Mr. Mitchell, who worked at the John Deere dealership in Lexington, first started showing symptoms of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in October 2005.

“He just really started stumbling. It started in his left foot,” Phillips said.

The progressive neurological disease spread up to his legs, chest, arms and hands, confining him to a wheelchair. A wireless cell phone in his ear became his lifeline.



“His mind was clear to the very end, which was so great,” Phillips said.

It was remarkable to observe his family’s love for him, the pastor said. His wife, Karen; daughter, Devin; son, Colby; parents Billy and Ellen Mitchell; and brother, Scott, cared for him until the end.

Mr. Mitchell, on his part, saw the opportunity to provide light-hearted moments for his caregivers.

“He kept them laughing,” Phillips said.



Everyone who knew him was grateful for the time to reminisce with him before his passing, he said.

“He’s been an inspiration to all of us. God doesn’t always give you closure like we’ve had with Mitch,” he said.

Wilson and Knight Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family requests memorials be made to North Greenwood Baptist Church and no flowers.