Ret. Lt. Col. Billy A. Mitchell, 91, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully with his immediate family by his side on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at St. Joseph's Hospital.

Mr. Mitchell was born in Evans County, Georgia and had lived in Savannah for many years.  He was preceded in death by his wife Sue Seltzer Mitchell, his parents Ralph and Laverna Saturday Mitchell, and his brothers Freddie Mitchell, Cleon Mitchell, and Leon Mitchell.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Garden City where he served faithfully for many years as a church secretary for the Timothy Class.  Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell was a patriot who served his country with unwavering loyalty in both the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard 165th Tactical Air Lift Wing located in Savannah.  Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell retired with high honor.  He dedicated his life to his country and his family.  His attention to detail along with his extraordinary discipline earned him several national awards as well specific recognition directly from the United States Senate and former President Ronald Reagan.  His life journey took him from the rural family farm life in Claxton, Georgia where he attended Canoochee High School and graduated as Salutatorian and then found himself stationed in Japan during the post Korean War.  He was a founding member of the Savannah Association of Flying Air National Guardsman Grey Eagles 165th Wing Division.  After serving his country for over 33 years he retired in 1985.  Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell spent his subsequent years with his family.  After the passing of his wife Sue in 2013, he devoted his later years to spending as much time as possible with his daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter.  He was affectionately referred to as "Poppy" by his immediate family.  He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his daughter Kaye Mitchell Egan (Mark Egan); granddaughter Kaia Egan West (Michael West); great-granddaughter Camille Jane West, as well as a multitude of generations of nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

The funeral to honor Mr. Mitchell's life will be on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL – 901 West Highway 80 – Pooler, Georgia (912) 748-2444