William Michael “Mike” Mingle
William Michael “Mike” Mingle, 70, passed away on March 20, 2024, following a lengthy illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence (Bill) and Dorothy ("Miss Dottie") Richardson Mingle. Mike was born in Bristol, Va., and lived in Bristol, Tn., until moving to Chattanooga in 1968. He attended Brainerd High School where he involved himself in all things musical. He attended Hiwassee College before transferring to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and becoming a member of the Chattanooga Singers and the UTC Singing Mocs. Mike was a member of Woodland Park Baptist Church for 42 years and was attending Ridgedale Baptist Church where he sang in the choir.
Many will remember Mike from the Piccadilly Cafe, Inc. at Northgate where he served as manager for 38 years. Mike loved his job and the Piccadilly "family" who worked with him, as well as the many, many patrons he hosted throughout those years.
Mike followed his career by pursuing his major passion: music. Mike loved all types of music, from opera to Blue Grass. He became part of the Scenic City Chorale, Roueche' Chorale, and Glen Draper Reunion Choirs. His superb baritone voice graced many choral presentations, as well as myriad of weddings and funerals.
Mike was a loving husband, father, and grandfather (Pop). He possessed a strength of spirit both in his faith and in his personal life. Mike was not a quitter. His was a larger than life presence accompanied by a keen sense of humor. Ever the optimist, he entertained his family, friends, and medical staff alike with his jokes and stories even as his condition worsened. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife Carol, sons Ben (Jill) and Jacob (Nurcan) and grandchildren Cooper, Benjamin, Sadie and Ella.
Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, at Ridgedale Baptist Church,1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421. The funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. with Dr. Doug Plumlee and Rev. Bruce Galyon officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be the Cornerstone Sunday School Class.
The burial will take place at the Westview Cemetery in Sweetwater, Tennessee, at 11 a.m. the following day.
Charitable donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at: www.kidney.org, The Diabetes Foundation at: https://diabetesfoundationinc.org, and The Haven at Ridgedale Baptist Church for foster care at: www.ridgedalebaptist.org.
The Mingle family wishes to extend a special thank you to the many medical professionals who attended Mike throughout his illness.
Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.