Gary Lee Mitchell

Gary Lee Mitchell, age 70 of Gay, Georgia formerly of Jonesboro, Georgia, passed away Friday, September 21, 2018. Gary began his journey through adulthood by enlisting in the United States Navy at an early age from which he retired after 30 years and included 2 active enlistments followed by many years in the Navy reserves. First and foremost Gary maintained a strong sense of patriotism and belief in the Constitution of the United States. While in the Navy Reserves, Gary worked for United Parcel Service (UPS) from which he retired after 34 years. Gary's interests were wide and varied. Early on he developed a love for cars and working on them with a particular interest in high performance. He loved them all, race cars, show cars and loved learning what made them "tic" and helping others with their automotive challenges. Gary loved nature and animals. He loved fishing and collecting antique fishing equipment. One of his favorite pastimes was plants, flowers and landscaping. He loved the success of seeing them grow and creating visually appealing landscapes. He often said that it "helped him clear his mind". At an early age he began a lifelong love of books and reading. He loved to cook and had a special interest in collecting vintage cookbooks. Gary was a very avid collector of pocket knives, hunting knives and kitchen knives.. The "art if sharpening" was an ongoing hobby that he enjoyed thoroughly. It didn't take long for the word to get out and become very popular with others. Lastly, Gary had a strong sense of family. He enjoyed researching and documenting his family heritage. Gary is survived by his brother, Wayne Mitchell and his wife Crystal; nephew, Travis Mitchell; cousins, Charles Brooks, William Brooks, Frieda Brooks, Linda Brooks Collins, Patsy Pritchett, Frances Brooks Romedy. The funeral service for Gary will be Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 2:00 pm Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel. Brother Jim Eller will officiate. Interment will be at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 25, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel. Flowers are accepted or those desiring are encouraged to make donations to Meriwether County Animal Shelter, 263 McLaughlin Road, Greenville, GA 30222. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wagesandsons.com.