Phillip C. Mitchell, Sr., 70, a longtime Skagit Valley resident, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2017 in Bellingham, WA surrounded by his family.
Phil was born on May 14, 1946 in Waynesville, NC, the son of Chester & Marie (King) Mitchell. He was raised and attended school in Canton, NC until 1961 when the family moved to the Burlington-Edison area later moving to Hamilton in 1964.
On June 4, 1965 Phil was united in marriage to Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Anderson and they made their home and raised their family in Lyman, Hamilton and finally in Birdsview.
Phil worked in the woods as a tree faller for several years; then starting Phil Mitchell Construction, he built custom homes around the valley and then in 1983 began a long career in the auto industry, working first for Doyle Guffie’s Rallye Auto, then as a car buyer for over 20 years for Vern Sims Ford and Sims Honda.
Phil built, along with many volunteer members, the Northwest Missionary Baptist Church in Hamilton, where he was a charter member and Deacon. His father Chester was Pastor there for 35 years. Phil loved the Lord and music, singing gospel music with the Glory Road Quartet. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, being in the mountains and woodworking.
Phil is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth at the family home in Birdsview; his children, Janet Jamison and husband Drew of Bellingham, Phillip Mitchell, Jr. and wife Cheryl of Birdsview and Jennifer Lawal and husband Mike of Kent; sister, June Queen and husband David of Sedro-Woolley; brothers, Mike Mitchell of Punkin Center and Darryl Mitchell and wife Cheryl of Sedro-Woolley; 6 grandchildren, Beau, Briley, and Clancy Mitchell, Syann Swihart, and spouse Jeremiah, Colby McCoy, and spouse Lysandra, and Logan Jamison; 3 great-grandchildren, Waylon, Joseph and Georgia Swihart; uncle, Glen Mitchell and wife Rosalee of Samish Island; mother-in-law, Katherine Anderson of Franklin, NC; sister-in-law, Rose Mitchell of Sedro-Woolley; Liz’s 4 sisters and 1 brother and their families in NC & WA and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester & Marie; brother, Gary Mitchell; sister-in-law, Sheila Mitchell and father-in-law, George Anderson. Memorials are suggested to Children’s Orthopedic Hospital or the VA park in eastern Sedro-Woolley.
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the NW Missionary Baptist Church in Hamilton. Visitation will be available Wednesday thru Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and on Saturday from 9 AM to noon at Lemley Chapel.
I read this obituary with interest and realize this is the same Phil Mitchell I became acquainted with in 7th and 8th grade at Edison Elementary in 1961-1962. He moved out of the area (upriver) after that and I lost touch. However, I remember a mischievious boy with a twinkle in his eye. He looked like James Dean with his blue-jeans cuffed and his white t-shirt rolled up at the sleeves. In the short time that I knew him, I learned he had a good heart and a wonderful sense of humor, and I remember he liked to sing. It was interesting to me to read about what his life had become, and all the people’s lives he touched. I send his family my sincere condolences, and will always remember him as that young boy with so much life and promise for the future.
As we get older I realize this is the bridge we must all cross eventually, but our prayers are with your family. Growing up with the entire Mitchell family is one
of fond memories of our childhood. I straighten nails for Phil as the congregation
built the church and then later, when he worked for my dad and Vern. He was always tough as a boss but made me a better employee for the years to come. God bless your family at this difficult time.
To a wonderful family who will always be close to my heart. Much of my life has been filled with great memories with your family. Thankful to have been blessed with the friendship. Time on earth is short but eternity is forever and I will see Phil again soon. To Liz, Janet, Phillip and Jenny may the peace in your soul and God’s love keep you during this difficult time. I love you all very much. My prayers are with you.
June and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one, I know your family just lost a sister in law also, May God comfort you in knowing that they were great Christian people and rejoicing in Heaven together. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Phil was my friend for 55 years, we shared many good times. His heart was always in the right place and he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. When I built my first house he helped me with the wiring and floor plan. I lived on his property in Birdsview for five months in a fifth wheel trailer and our families spent a great summer together! Our friendship survived some trying times and enjoyed many adventures together. Phil was a man that did his best with the talents he had and was loyal to his friends. I really enjoyed seeing his picture when he was young it brought back so many memories of when life was not so complicated. RIP my friend I will miss you but you are in a better place in pain no more. Prayer for the Mitchell family God Bless and keep you and comfort your hearts!
So sorry for your loss. Papa Phil will always hold a special place in my heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
New Phil in his earlier days.So Sorry for you’re Loss Liz
Libby, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family have been on my mind and in my prayers since I learned of Phil’s illness. It is such a difficult sorrow when we lose someone we love, but how very great it is to know that that person belonged to God. May you find peace in that knowledge and joy with your family.I love you sweetie, as always, your Cousin, Gaye
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We will never forget the love and kindness that Liz and Phil showed us when we lived in Washington. May God comfort you as only He can. We love you all.
Terribly sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. Me and his daughter went to school together. I still remember seeing that yellow classic car he had in the early 80’s.
Nothing but love, everyone.
Liz and children,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Phillip. We grew up together in Canton, N.C. There was a lot of relatives ( cousins) mostly that were very close to one another back in the 1950’s before his family made the the move to the state of Washington and it was hard to comprehend them moving that far away in 1961. I made the train ride with his family to try and assist his mother (Marie) somewhat with the move. I have visited the Sedro-Woolley area several times over the years and I think they could not have picked a better place to live. My sincerest condolences are with the family at this time of sorrow. May God bless. Don King
My heart broke when I got the news of Phil’s passing. I grew up with his children and called him “Uncle” Phil. I have so many fond memories of Phil and his family and pray that the Lord comforts those that are left here to grieve his loss. I know that he no longer suffers, but has a new-heavenly body that will never know sickness or pain. He is with our Lord and Savior and the saints that have gone before us. Until we meet again Phil, I love you and your family so much.
Nikki Moore