SHELBY- William Osborne Mitchell Jr., known to many as "Bill," age 67, passed away peacefully at Wendover Hospice in Shelby, N.C., on August 16, 2026. Born in Shelby on September 24, 1959, he was the son of the late William "Bill" Mitchell Sr. and Betty McLendon Mitchell. Raised in the Presbyterian faith, Bill carried its core Christian values of grace and dedicated service into every aspect of his daily life.

Bill was a proud 1977 graduate of Shelby High School and went on to complete higher education degrees at N.C. State University and Gardner-Webb University. Over his professional career, he worked for the City of Shelby, where he cherished time spent at Royster Memorial Golf Course, and later served with Western Southern Life Insurance Company. Outside of work, Bill loved playing golf with local friends and engaging in fantasy baseball leagues. He will always be remembered for his infectious laugh, warm friendship, and steady, calm demeanor.

A Celebration of Life honoring Bill will take place at Clay-Barnette Funeral Services on Tuesday, August 25, at 5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Wendover Hospice House, 953 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, N.C.

Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center www.claybarnette.com