Billy Joel Mitchell was born on the family farm near Blanchard, Oklahoma, on September 6, 1934, in the middle of the Great Depression to his parents, Joel Denning Mitchell and Amelia Mellie (Copeland) Mitchell. He was the middle of three children that included his sister, Louise, and brother, Ray Neal. Bill attended school at Alex, Bradley, and graduated from Dibble High School in 1952. While in school, he met the love of his life, Wynella Faye Smith. They were married for 73 years before his passing on April 24, 2026. To this union, Bill and Faye had three children: Joel Scott, Kim Michele, and Joel Skip. Right after marrying, Bill and Faye left Oklahoma for California. The war was on and there were jobs working the shipyards. They both quickly found work, but after just a few weeks Bill decided that California was not for him, so they moved back to Oklahoma. He quickly got his old job back as a welder at Robinson Steel in Oklahoma City. Over the years, Bill worked as a field laborer in the cotton patches, a welder, and drove an Orange Crush truck before deciding to follow in his father’s footsteps and go to barber school. Bill owned and operated a barber shop in Lindsay for over 50 years. He and Faye also owned and operated the Bill Mitchell Farm Center in Lindsay for several years. He served two terms as mayor and several years on the Lindsay City Council. Bill was also the city manager of Lindsay for a few years after leaving the legislature. He was a lifelong farmer and rancher, was enthusiastic about coon hunting, and owned many fine coonhounds over the years. Bill also proudly served his country as a member of the Army Reserves.
In 1984, Bill was elected to the Oklahoma State House of Representatives. He would serve in that capacity for 20 years. During his time in the legislature, Bill would hurry home after they adjourned on Thursday and open the barbershop for the rest of the week. He understood that the legislature was not a permanent job, so he believed it was important to keep the barber shop open as much as he could. During those 20 years, Bill only spent three nights in Oklahoma City without driving home. Two were because of the weather and one was due to an all-night legislative session.
Bill was a long-time member of the Missionary Baptist Church in Lindsay. He served as a deacon and men’s Sunday School teacher. He loved his church family, and he strived to be a good example for his children and grandchildren.
Bill considered his family his greatest accomplishment. But he was also proud with the accomplishments he obtained for his district. At one point, an opportunity presented itself for Bill to run for Congress. After deliberating his decision for a few weeks, he decided to not run. Bill wanted to continue to work for his district, but most importantly he did not want to be away from home and family as much as would have been required.
Bill is survived by his wife of 73 years, Faye, and his children, Scott and wife Kandyce of Norman, and their children Sean Mcatee, Liberty Griess, and Billy Joel Mitchell II, Kim and husband Rick of Oklahoma City, and their children Daniel Despain, Nathan Despain, Micah Despain, Abigail Despain, and Skip and wife Shelly of Lindsay, and their daughter Erin Kirkland. Bill is also survived by three great-grandchildren and two cousins, Roger Perrin of Maysville and Glen Copeland of Pauls Valley, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Mellie Mitchell, his brother, Ray Neal, his sister, Louise, their spouses, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, W.S. and Mila Smith, his brother-in-law, Raymond Whitely, his sister-in-law, Raye Whitely, and his nephews, Bill Roberson and Keith Ramage.
The family would like to express their thanks to several people who made Bill’s final days comfortable and to some very special friends. To his doctors, Dr. Wescott and Dr. Nemri, and their staff: The care you provided is appreciated more than you will ever know. Words cannot properly express our gratitude for how you took care of our dad. Johnny Branch, Mike Somers, Gary Henson…you were loved, appreciated and respected by Bill. Thank you for your friendship with him over the years.
The family would also like to thank the staff at Lifeline Hospice for their care of Bill in his final days.
Bill will be laid to rest next to his parents and in-laws at the Dibble Cemetery in a private family service. The family will announce a public memorial service for Bill very soon. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Lindsay Missionary Baptist Church located at 903 S. Main St. in Lindsay, Oklahoma.
Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home.
