Mr. Howard  Lee Mitchell Jr. (affectionately nicknamed Dickie), 80, of Stow, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord as he peacefully transitioned, on June 7, 2023 at the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Center (due to complications of COVID). Until his untimely passing, he was the eldest surviving MITCHELL PATRIARCH; he proudly represented Lexington Kentucky AND Akron, Ohio.  He was born on September 12, 1942, in Akron, Ohio, to his parents; Gladys Louise (Trimble) and Howard Lee Mitchell Sr. He was a lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio; particularly the east side of Akron.  He attended East High School and was a standout athlete in football and most notably track.  Howard’s takeoff and speed was often challenged but rarely defeated, as he was an “Olympic-worthy” track star!  This is how he would describe himself: “I’m a small piece of leather, but well put together.”

On June 27, 1964, Howard married Rose A (Calhoun) Mitchell.  In that union, four sons were welcomed into the world:  Howard Lee III, Steven Jeffery, Michael David and Damon Eric.  In addition to his four sons, he welcomed three children with Mary A. (Harrison) Singletary: two sons, Timothy Wayne, Howard Lee, and daughter, DaNeen Yvette.  Of his tribe of six sons, he would proudly boast that “I only have one daughter; she likes to brag about it, and sometimes I would help out.”

Howard was drafted into the United States Army on April 1, 1966; at the Army instillation in Fort Hamilton NY.  He proudly served his country, both domestic and abroad.  He served 1 ½ years in Italy and was awarded with the distinction of an expert Marksman; (rifle M-14) and the Good Conduct Metal.  He was honorably discharged on April 6, 1964.  Upon his discharge, Howard  worked several jobs; then progressed on to becoming, for 29 ½ years a Heavy Equipment Operator III, for the City of Akron.  He was a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME: Local 1360) until his retirement on June 30, 2006.

Howard was blessed with many talents, one little know gift was he was great at drawing.  Aside from this, he enjoyed dancing, listening to “old school” 50’s, 60’ and 70’s R&B music, barbecuing, gardening, vacations to Lexington, KY, playing cards (bid whist or spades), and simply sitting in his favorite recliner watching the “shoot em ups” (old westerns).  He was known, mostly, for many funny, snappy, quirky and signature sayings: “Don’t start none, wont be none”; “Don’t start no stuff”, “Don’t bother me I ain’t bothering you!” “My name is HOWARD MITCHELL, NOT HOWARD HUGHES” “ Go ‘head, wit cha bad self” “You sea sick and water bound; if you cant swim, then you bound to drown” “If you count em fair, you’ll find em there” “How are you doing Mr. Mitchell: Terrible as usual”, “are you feeling any pain? Yeah, in my pockets” “My money is funny and my change is strange” “You like a broke refrigerator, CAN’T HOLD NOTHING”, “You know what I think, its time for me a drink!” “my father used to always say, ‘If they treat you like a honeysucka, then treat them like one of them thangs” ”, “I’m gone introduce you to BLADEY-MAE” and if all else fails, “I’m just doing the B.I.K (the best I can). Lastly, yet most of all, he LOVED FISHING (Walleye- Lake Erie fishing) and FAMILY.  He loved each and every one of his children with a special and unique type of love.  He was kind, generous, funny, stern (when necessary), understanding, forgiving, smart, fair and loving.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose A. (Calhoun) Mitchell, father Howard Mitchell Sr., mother Gladys (Trimble) Mitchell, his baby sister Devora Mitchell, brothers Robert (Bobby) Mitchell Sr., Dale T Mitchell Sr., Allen Mitchell, Darwin (Donnie) Mitchell, Sanford (Tony) Mitchell.  Grandchildren: Bobby R.D. Harrison and Steven J Mitchell Jr., a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and other family and close friends.

He is survived and dearly missed by his children.  Firstly, as he would lovingly say, “my one and only daughter”, (and caretaker) DaNeen Y Harrison-Coats (Robert) of Stow, OH; Sons:  Timothy W. Harrison Sr. (Tracey), Howard L. Harrison, Damon E Mitchell Sr. (Starlette); Michael D. Mitchell; Steven J. Mitchell Sr. (Jennifer) and Howard Lee Mitchell III (Jean); all of Akron, OH.  His absence will be greatly felt by this two surviving brothers, Tony Mitchell and Blair Mitchell, both of Akron.  He leaves to mourn his passing, his two sisters, Norma Jean Grandison of Atlanta, GA and Angela (Ray) Mitchell of Akron. He leaves his grandchildren: Neighkeysha (Raymond) Gates, RayShawn (Charmane) Freeman, DeAnte (Heather) Coats, DeVante (Shayla) Coats, Manaria (Sean) Coats, MeYana Coats, Timothy W. Harrison Jr., Lynette Mitchell, Damon E. Mitchell Jr., and Steven J Mitchell III.  He leaves to mourn, his close, card playing friends Gene Cherry, Melvin Banks, Morris Pringle, Mike and Kevin.  Lastly, he will be sorely missed by Robert L Coats Jr., whom he affectionately called his “best friend” and Mittens, “the cat”; whom he playfully called, “cat”.  He leaves a host of family (nieces, nephews, great-grand children, cousins), friends, loved ones both near and far.

The family would like to give a special THANK YOU to Sarah Cares, Akron Area on Aging, Veteran’s Affairs of Akron, OH, Eliza Jennings, Justin T. Rogers Hospice Center, his hospice nurses: Tammy and Tarae; his very dear and favorite home health aides, Linda Harrison, Genise Colvin and Dania Penny.  Although Howard’s passing was unexpected, he live a full and happy life.  Before his passing, his last wish was to “come home” and as a family we are forever grateful that his dying wish was answered.  In the last three weeks of being home, we were able to spend quality time with, record unforgettable memories, and share in some much need laughter, joy and LOVE.  Howard will be deeply missed, but NEVER be forgotten.  His memory will rest with all that were fortunate enough to know him. It can be truthfully said, “I have NEVER met a single soul who did NOT like Howard.”

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at The Pavilion of Praise Church located at 976 W. Waterloo Rd., Akron, OH. 44314; Pastor Christ T. Moorer, officiant.  Service of events are as follows:  Visitation from 10:00-11:00am; Funeral 11:00-1:00; Burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.  The procession will form at 4119 Vira Road at 9:00am. Condolences, cards, acts of love and kindness can be forwarded to 4119 Vira Road, Stow OH  44224. The family would like to extend an additional thank to Stewart and Calhoun Funeral Home and Pavilion of Praise Church for hosting the home-going services for our beloved Mr. Howard Lee (Dickie) Mitchell Jr.