Knox County KyArchives Obituaries.....Mitchell, William Jesse August 18, 2005
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Neal Byrge http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00005.html#0001134 November 13, 2005, 11:16 am

The Knoxville News Sentinel 20 Aug 2005
MITCHELL, WILLIAM JESSE (JESS) - age 80, went home to be with the Lord on 
Thursday, August 18, 2005. Jess was a dedicated and devoted member of Sequoyah 
Hills Presbyterian Church where he served as deacon, elder and a Stephen's 
minister. The only child of Herbert Lawson and Flossie Turner Mitchell, Jess 
was born in Barbourville, KY and shortly thereafter moved to Knoxville. After 
serving his country for 4 years in the United States Medical Corps in the 
Pacific during World War II, Jess returned home in 1950 and entered the 
University of Tennessee where he earned a Bachelors degree in Business 
Administration. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. While at UT, he met 
his future wife, Ellen (Sis) Roddy. In 1954, Jess began his business career as 
a men's clothing buyer for Rich's Department Store. In 1960, he joined Fred 
Brown's Clothing Co. (later Hall- Brown Co.) as vice president. His influence 
in men's clothing fashion was widely recognized in the Knoxville community 
until 1975 when he entered the soft drink industry as a vice president of 
Roddy Coca-Cola Bottling Co. In 1993, Jess retired as Executive Vice President 
when the company was sold to Coca-Cola Enterprise of Atlanta. Throughout his 
business career, Jess was both loved and respected by his co-workers. He was 
regarded as a friend, a caring person whose door was always open and one who 
had a sincere willingness to listen and encourage. His genuine love for people 
from all walks of life was always evident. He served in many capacities in 
various civic and charitable organizations including Child Help USA, Knox Area 
Rescue Ministries, Rotary Club International, Men's Cotillion, Cherokee 
Country Club and many others. In addition, Jess had a genuine love for 
architectural design, snow skiing, and tennis. 
His wonderful sense of humor and enthusiasm for life will long be remembered. 
His heart for God and his fellow man will be a lasting influence. He was 
preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Lawson and Flossie Turner Mitchell. 
He is survived by his devoted wife, Ellen Roddy Mitchell; daughter, Ellen 
Chase Mitchell; son, James Russell Mitchell and wife, Carole all of Knoxville; 
son, William Mitchell, Jr. of Naples, FL; grandchildren, Christopher, Kyle, 
and Nicholas Mitchell of Knoxville, Roddy and Macy Mitchell of Ft. Lauderdale, 
FL. 
Following a private committal, there will be a memorial service 11:00 A.M. 
Monday at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church with Dr. William R. Barron 
officiating. 
The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall 
of the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sequoyah Hills 
Presbyterian Church, 3700 Keowee Ave., Knoxville, TN 37919 or Knox Area Rescue 
Ministries, 418 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. Arrangements by Rose 
Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. 


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