William Ray aka Billy Mitchell

   Cause of his death was Cancer.

  General Notes:

lived in Ft. Lewis WA

obit

William Billy Ray Mitchell, was born on March 21, 1935, in Poplar, Montana. He died on October 7, 2001, in Billings, Montana. Billy was raised in Poplar and in his teens, he rode the rodeo circuit as a bronc rider where he got his nickname "Wild Bill". He joined the service on Jan 18, 1951, but was released a year later when they found out he was underage. He rejoined again in April of 1957, and was stationed in Fort Sill, OK, where he met and married his wife of many years, Earline Knowles. He received many accmondations (sic) for his many years in service, one being the Purple Heart, and also the First Oak Leaf Cluster. He served his country with two tours in Korea, and two years in Vietnam. He traveled all over the world with his family. They lived for five years in Germany and 1 year in Hawaii to name a couple. He fell in love with Washington state, and chose there, to settle down after he retired from his 30 years in the army in 1977. He has two granddaughters that still live there, Kelly Lynne, and Stephanie Nichole, and two great-grandsons, Corey James and David Michael. He began to have health problems, and chose to move back to Montana, where he grew up. He moved back with his wife Tonie and became very active members of the community. His brother Robert, "Bobby" and son, Michael , and his wife, Tonie "Clear Water," preceded him in their final journey home. He is survived by Lucy and Lee Redekopp, Mary Alice Martin, all of Wolf Point, Jessica Mitchell, from Browning, daughter Lisa and husband Darren Woods of AZ; his son Patrick Mitchell and wife Patty of Wolf Point; his granddaughters, Kelly Lynne and Stephanie Nichole and great-grandsons Corey James and David Michael of WA; also his adopted family Jodi Brooks, Kathy Nye and Josh Cruz, also of WA, Mary Vangi of WI and Albert Combs of WA. He was Chairman of the Board, at the Wolf Point VFW, and also worked closely with other members in neighboring towns for hte VFW as well. Billy will be missed by many, but we know he's in a better place now, with his wife and son. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct 11 at 10 am at the Clayton Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Vigil Services were held 7 pm Wed at the chapel. Cremation will follow the services. Father Steve Zabrockie officiating at the services. Clayton Memorial Chapel in charge of arrangements.

William married Earline "Toni" Indian: Clear Water Knowles. (Earline "Toni" Indian: Clear Water Knowles died on 15 Oct 1999.)