Zeak “Sonny” Clifford Mitchell, Jr., passed away Nov. 29, 2020.
Cliff was born on March 15, 1933, in Cullman, Alabama, to Evelyn (Harris) and Zeak Mitchell, Sr. He graduated from Fairview High School in Cullman, AL. After high school, Cliff joined the United States Army. He met his wife, Rhoda Iona Stringfellow, at the roller skating rink, and they married on Sept. 24, 1955. In 1959, Cliff graduated Samford University in Birmingham, AL, with an AB Degree. In 1962, he graduated the Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, LA, with a Bachelor of Divinity Degree. In 1966, he graduated from Chaplains’ School in Newport, RI.
Cliff lived a life of service. He served his community, congregations, and God. Cliff was a pastor to several Baptist churches in Alabama. As a United States Navy Chaplain of 20 years, he served two tours in Vietnam with the Destroyer Squadron Thirty-One and the First Marine Division. While in Vietnam, he supported and worked with the local orphanages. He was also assigned to Navy and Marine bases in southern California; Corpus Christie, Texas; Okinawa, Japan; and Memphis, Tennessee. He served as a Board Member to the Runaway House/Family Link in Memphis, and throughout his career, he taught Pre-Marriage and Marriage Enrichment workshops and Effective Parenting workshops. Cliff is lovingly remembered by his family as a father, grandfather, preacher, farmer, and marathon runner who enjoyed playing the guitar and tinkering with cars, ham radios, and computers. One of Cliff’s favorite songs was “Bridge over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel and, for his family, friends, and congregations, he was that bridge.
Cliff was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son Mark Clifford Mitchell; and sister Doris Crisler-Staub.
He is survived by his children Terry (Mike) Mitchell Lanfear and Robbin (Joe) Mitchell Esterman; grandchildren Tyler Mitchell Lanfear, Benjamin William Lanfear, and Stephen Mitchell Esterman; and cousin Lynda (Keith) Carter.
The family would also like to thank the caregivers of Hanceville Nursing and Rehab Center who provided care and love to Cliff the past two years.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Cliff’s family invite you to join them Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 at Concord Baptist in Cullman for visitation at 11 a.m.-1 p.m., followed by funeral service and burial.
