Donald "Doc" Mitchell

Donald “Doc” Eugene Mitchell, age 82, of Maiden, passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at his residence in North Carolina.  Born December 29, 1938 in Atlanta, GA, he was a son of the late Robert Mitchell and the late Mildred Moore Mitchell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Mitchell and ex-wife Linda Mitchell Gardner.

He is survived by his children, Kim Ardrey and husband Tye of Maiden, NC, Lori Herman and husband Finley of Maiden, NC, Michele Hughes and husband Damon of Lenoir City, TN and Donnie Mitchell and wife Sidnee of Murfreesboro, TN; His brother, Robert Mitchell and wife Sandra of Dallas, GA, 8 Grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Don always lived life to the fullest. Early on he played baseball and loved to pull pranks and jokes.  He developed a quick wit and wry sense of humor that served him well through college, medical school and beyond. He was the first member of his family to attend college and proceed to a graduate program.

He married his first wife Linda Morgan in 1960.  They traveled to Memphis, TN where he attended the University of Tennessee Medical College and became the president of his class. Through multiple moves around the country doing internships and residency programs as well as serving in the US Navy, they raised a family and he developed a passion for orthopedic medicine.

Don settled in to practice in Knoxville, TN where he quickly made a name for himself by being very outspoken, wearing the most unique and fashionable leisure suits and designing and implementing many new protocols and equipment for the advancement of sports medicine.

He believed that working hard allowed him the grace and ability to enrich his life in many ways. He married twice more, integrating three families into one. He collected friends from all walks of life that he cherished and learned from (he loved education).

Don taught himself and participated in numerous sports like scuba diving, golf, skiing, sailing, flying planes, fishing, playing some musical instruments and raising animals from the ordinary to the exotic on his farm, all while traveling extensively.  He possessed the skill of pushing and encouraging those around him to strive to work hard and play hard. Life was about looking for the next great adventure.

Now as he enjoys his ultimate adventure, we his family would like to thank all of the “village” of folks who helped make his transition so effortless and would like to invite you to join us in celebrating a life well lived.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 14, 2021, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, at Faith Fellowship Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Lenoir City, with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 pm.  Rev. Mark Hester will be officiating. Interment will follow at Union Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery in Knoxville.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the charity or “act of kindness” closest to your heart. Some of his were Charles Stanley “In Touch Ministries”, Faith Fellowship Cumberland Church and Doctors without Borders.