Bo Mitchell, 84, a native of Underwood, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 in Daphne.
He was an author, Navy pilot, World War II veteran, sports broadcaster, radio station owner and Christian missionary.
He flew combat missions against the Japanese from the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. He authored a book about his first decade as a missionary published in 1990 by Broadman entitled “You Can Take It With You.” He finished the manuscript for another book entitled, “Triumphant Abundant Life” prior to his death.
To him, the last 30 years of his life spent as a full-time missionary for the North Ameircan Mission Board, the Florida Baptist Convention and the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, was the most satisfyling part. He said Jesus Christ had clessed him as a layperson with joy beyond anything he ever could have dreamed.
His role as a missionary took him across America from coast to coast and border to border for 18 years as a national leader for the program entitled “Continuing Witness Training.” In that role, he taught pastors and church leaders how to teach their people to share the message of Jesus Christ as Savior.
He was the radio network voice of the Florida State Seminole football team from 1963 through 1972 and was named Florida Sports Broadcaster of the Year in 1966 by his contemporaries.
Dr. T.K. Weathereill, a player for FSU during Mitchell’s broadcasting days and now president of the university, said recently,” If it had not been for folks like you and a few others, FSU football would not be what it is today.” He broadcast Pensacola High School football games for a decade and was a partner owning an interest in radio stations in Pensacola, Orlando and Bradenton, Fla., as well as one in Augusta, Ga.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 55 years, Mickey in 2005.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Ruth Mitchell; three sons, Gary Mitchell, Ron (Jean) Mitchell and Brad Mitchell; three grandsons, Justin Mitchell, Ben (Liss) Mitchell and Matthew (Jackie) Mitchell; and a great-grandson, Riley.
Visitation begins at 5 p.m. with a memorial service at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 at the First Baptist Church of Fairhope with the Rev. David Burton, Evangelism director of the Florida State Baptist Convention, and the Rev. Brent Shaw of the First Baptist Church officiating.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Evangelism Program of the First Baptist Church, 300 S. Section St., Fairhope, AL 36532.
Arrangements are by Hughes Cremation & Funeral Service, Daphne. Make online condolences at www.hughesfuneralservice.com.
