Billy Mitchell

Billy "BB" Mitchell, 83, of Casa Grande died Dec. 4, 2008.


Mr. Mitchell was born March 13, 1925 in the mining town of Superior to Josephine and Charlie Mitchell and was raised there. He grew up with three brothers, Eddie and Arthur Nunez and Norman Mitchell, and an uncle who was like a brother to him Walter Whitlow.

He played all sports at Superior High School, worked in the mines and served in the Army in Hawaii. He graduated from the future Arizona State University. Dora Carrillo was his wife for 21 years.

He taught in the Poston schools on the Navajo Nation for three years, Maricopa schools for 14 years and Pine Elementary School for four years. He started the first six-man football team and other sports programs at Maricopa High School in 1954 and a sports program at Pine. He started and operated several businesses in Globe, Payson, Casa Grande and Maricopa.

His survivors include four daughters, Alma Farrell, Belinda McCullough, Barbara Mitchell and Billie Mavis; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m., with rosary recited at 7, at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in Casa Grande. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday in Superior at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Memorial donations may be made to the Maricopa High School Football Booster Club.