Springfield- John Forest Mitchell, 79, passed away Thursday, February 10, 2022 at St. Joseph's Hospital.

Born December 31, 1942 to the late James Talmadge and Frances Wells Mitchell of Manchester, GA. He was preceded in death by a younger brother, a baby sister, and a son, Jimmy Mitchell.

John graduated from Manchester High School and then went to Americus Trade School where he graduated with a diesel mechanic degree. He joined the US Air Force where he worked on B52 Bombers. After his Mom & Dad, whom he loved very much, became ill he was discharged for a hardship to care for his parents.

The year he came home from service, he met the love of his life, Joy Millsap. They have been married for 57 years. They had three wonderful boys. They lived in Manchester after marriage and then moved to Albany, where John worked for the Federal State Inspection Service. Soon after he became a Georgia State Patrol in Brunswick, GA. He also worked for the Railroad for several years as a switchman. He worked during the day putting in septic tanks and worked at night on the railroad. He went in full time business for himself and worked the entire county of Effingham operating Mitchell's Septic Tank Service for 40 years.

Survivors include his wife, Joy Millsap Mitchell; sons, Johnny Mitchell (Kristy) and Jeffery Mitchell (Julie); daughter-in-law, Stacy Exley Mitchell; seven grandchildren, Dalton (Jessica), Ansley (Joe), Carson (Carl), Claire, Corinne, Garrett, and Grace Anna Mitchell; great-grandson, Chapman Mitchell; and several cousins and two nephews. He kept a picture of each grandchild in his wallet and showed any and everyone his pride and joy.

Funeral: 2 pm Sunday, February 13, 2022 in the funeral home chapel.

Interment: Springfield Cemetery Annex

Remembrances: Shriner's Children's Hospital

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421.