Willie Thomas Mitchell, affectionately known as "Sonny", was born the baby of six boys to Johnny Mitchell and Hattie Jackson Mitchell in Glassboro, New Jersey on October 1, 1947. He was educated in Glassboro School System and attended Shaw University where he was a member of the ROTC program. During his freshman year, Sonny was the roommate of Willie E. Gary, the famous lawyer. He worked for Eastern Airlines in ticket sales in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was also employed by Amtrak Railways as a Train Dispatcher at Zoo Tower in New Jersey, one of the busiest Commuter Stations in the United States.

Sonny moved to Palm Coast in 2003 where he reset his life looking for new opportunities, taking residence with his cousin, Jean Tanner. He confessed Christ as his savior and became a member of First AME Church of Palm Coast. Sonny had great admiration for Jean and lived with her until he met the woman that he would take as his wife, Saint Hellen E. Gordon. Sonny accepted Palm Coast as his new home and embraced a new life with Saint Hellen for 19 years of marriage.

Sonny found great joy working with his hands and helping others in the Palm Coast community with the many talents that he possessed. He could fix anything and was a talented landscaper; therefore, self-employment was a natural transition for him. Sonny remained dedicated to the clientele he established and continued to enjoy working until he encountered health challenges that terminated his ability to work. Sonny had three very dedicated friends that have been there for him through thick and thin, Leon McLaurin, James "Jimmy" Barnes and Bob Martinez. He really appreciated their friendship.

Sonny was a very proud man that enjoyed the simple pleasures in his life. He had a magical connection with "Joy Noel", his companion for 13 years, a pet that he and Saint Hellen love like a daughter. He also had a great love for smooth jazz music. He was a proud performer in the Palm Coast Motown Revue showcasing his singing talents with both group and solo performances that wowed spectators and brought him great joy.

Sonny was an avid track and field runner and absolutely loved the sport. His passion for it made him a frequent spectator of any track and field event he could find. Naturally, he became a number one fan of his own nephew, Track & Field Olympian Dennis Mitchell. He took great pride following Dennis' career. Outside of Track, Sonny was a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan. It was hard to get his attention or pull him away from the TV when the Eagles were playing any opponent.

Sonny encountered several health challenges but was not one to complain. He did the best that he could, despite his circumstances. Sonny transitioned peacefully with the compassionate and nurturing care of the staff at the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House on September 17, 2024, in Palm Coast, Florida.

Sonny was preceded in eternal rest by his beloved pet, Joy Noel and four of his five brothers, Robert Mitchell, James Mitchell, Lawrence Mitchell and Edward Mitchell.

He leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Saint Hellen Mitchell of Palm Coast Florida; stepdaughter, Audi-Anne Monique (Mikki) Gordon-Buchan of Atlanta, Georgia; four sons, Shawn Mitchell of Las Vegas, Nevada; Shannon Mitchell and Jason Mitchell, both of Pemberton, New Jersey; Jerel (Stephanie) Mitchell of Smyrna, Delaware; 12 grandchildren; brother, Harold (MaryAnne) Mitchell of Jacksonville, North Carolina; brother-in-law, David (Joy) Francis, Long Island, New York; 5 sisters-in-law, Marjorie Carter of Maryland; Dr. Thelma Francis and Dawn Marie (Bernard) Aime, both of Atlanta, Georgia; Irene Mitchell of Houston, Texas; Lenora Mitchell of Sicklerville, New Jersey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends that will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 28, at God's Family Bible Church, 256 Old Brick Road, Bunnell, FL. Pastor Abolaji Akinbo is the eulogist.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House in memory of Willie Mitchell. Donations can be made payable to S.F.M.H.H.E.F. and sent to S.F.M.H.H.E.F., Attention:  John Subers, 60 Memorial Medical Parkway, Palm Coast, FL 32164. The memorial service can be accessed via Livestream from godsfamilybiblechur.subspla.sh.