A graveside service for Samuel E. Mitchell Jr. of Saltillo will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10 at New Hope Church Cemetery in Winona. Rev. Philip Ellis will officiate the service.
Samuel E. Mitchell Jr., age 76, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026. He was born in Birmingham, AL in 1949 to Samuel Earl Mitchell and Martha “Tot” Mitchell.
After graduating from Ensley High School in Birmingham, Sam enlisted in the United States Army and became a decorated Cobra pilot, having received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart during the Vietnam War. After the War, he graduated from the University of Alabama and joined the U.S. Secret Service, stationed in the Jackson, MS field office. He worked the protective details for Presidents Ford through Clinton and retired after over 20 years of service.
Sam met his future wife Didi Mitchell soon after moving to Jackson. The two were wed in 1980, and the couple had two sons. After retirement, the family settled in the Tupelo area. Sam was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed time with his family, sport-shooting, amateur radio and Alabama football. He was a devoted Christian and member of Faith Baptist Church in Saltillo.
Sam is survived by his two sons, Jonathan and Daniel Mitchell; one granddaughter Ansley Mitchell; and brother Charles Mitchell.
He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him with his sense of humor that made everyone laugh. The love he shared will continue to live on in our memories forever.
