Edward “Billy” Ladew Mitchell
Edward “Billy” Ladew Mitchell, 80, of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023.
Billy grew up in North Chattanooga, attended Normal Park School, graduated from Baylor School in 1960 and then attended Auburn University, ultimately earning his degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Despite his admiration for his local alma mater, Billy’s blood always ran orange and blue for his Auburn Tigers. While at UTC, he met May Temple Montague, who became the love of his life and bride of 57 years.
For his entire life, Billy was a faithful servant of God, culminating in serving as an usher at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church for many years. Second only to his love of God was his love of family, whom he considered to be his greatest gift of all. Billy sought to experience all of the beauty and excitement that life could offer and enjoyed sharing it with his family through travel near and far, water skiing, snow skiing, hunting, fishing, and his appreciation of the great outdoors. In his later years, he would race May to answer the phone to speak with his children and grandchildren and hear about their adventures. Billy was also an avid gardener, spending most weekends caring for his roses and famously perfect lawn.
Billy’s working life was in sales, beginning in textiles and finishing in the insurance business. He also was dedicated to the Lookout Mountain School, which his children attended and where he served for 18 years as commissioner.
Billy’s warmth will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was a friend to everyone he met, was always excited to see those he loved and could put anyone at ease, embracing them with his easygoing nature or regaling them with his tales.
Survivors include his wife, May Montague Mitchell; brother, Stephen (Vickie) Mitchell; children, William Mitchell, May (Greg) McGuire, Preston (Rosemary) Mitchell, Madison Mitchell (Matt Davis); grandchildren, Emily (Jim) Larsen, Madison Mitchell, Teddy Mitchell, Charlotte McGuire, Stuart McGuire, William “Mac” McGuire, Jack Mitchell, and William Mitchell.
A private family burial was held at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church on Friday, Feb. 10.
Arrangements areby Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.