Charles Thomas Mitchell

Charles Thomas Mitchell, age 89 of Paris, TN, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

Charles was born in Sparta, TN on August 7, 1936, to the late Jack and Willouise Mitchell.

On July 10, 1958, he married the late Joan Marsh Mitchell, who preceded him in death on June 20, 2023.

As a young child, Charles enjoyed an especially close relationship with his grandfather, Hugh LC Mitchell, with whom his family lived for four years when his father was drafted. Charles enjoyed sharing many stories of their escapades through the years.

After receiving many accolades in high school football, Charles accepted an invitation to a walk-on tryout at the University of Tennessee, where he played with teammates, Bill Johnson and Johnny Majors. He ultimately made the decision to serve his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Cambridge, England. This is where he eventually met and married the love of his life, Joan Marsh.

Upon returning to the states, Charles continued his education at MTSU where he was recruited to play football. Never afraid of hard work, he did all he could to provide for his growing family. He worked at a bakery, taught school for a short time, and eventually became a wildlife officer with Tennessee Game and Fish. His work ethic and outgoing personality quickly earned him a supervisor position, which led to a 50+ year residence in Waverly, TN, and a life-long love of the outdoors, fishing and hunting.

Following his tenure with Game and Fish, Charles worked in construction with his close friend, Larry Hughey. After this, he began High School Fundraising with Readers Digest, ultimately retiring, and returning to his love of fishing. Charlie became involved in organized fishing clubs, most notably the BASS Federation, and he was fundamental in helping form and launch the Tennessee BASS Federation.

Charles and Joan moved to Paris, TN to be closer to family and called Paris home for almost 20 years. He did not slow down until he had to. He enjoyed the Men’s Bible Class at First Baptist Church, and then he would drive to listen to his friend Charlie Cate preach at New Bethel Church of Christ. His weekly breakfast with friends at Southside was always entertaining, and he was an avid HCHS Baseball and Football fan.

Charlie’s devotion to family, zest for life, strong work ethic and great love of country were an example to all.

Besides many life-long friends, Charles leaves his brother Hugh Moore (Terri) Mitchell, sons Hugh Moore (Cindy) Mitchell, Stephen Robb (Maurie Ann) Mitchell, Michael Shawn (Tina) Mitchell and Ray (Claire) Coe; grandchildren Rebeka (Michael) Robinson, Charles (Jessica) Mitchell, Justin (Jennifer) Mitchell, Grant (Jasmine) Mitchell, Grace (Aaron) Mathis, Garrett Mitchell, Rachel Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, Natalie (Dave) Harrison, Melissa Coe and fiancé Bam Barker, Alex (Lauren) Thurman, Brittany (Daniel) Smiley, Brianna (Nathan) Williamson, Briley (Lucas) Johnson, 13 great-grandchildren, four nieces and a nephew.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242. The body is to be cremated with a private service to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Tennessee Bass Federation to help support fishing programs for high schools in TN. Donations can be mailed to The Future Fisherman Foundation, ATTN: Charlie Mitchell Memorial, 5998 N. Pleasant View Road, Ponca City, OK 74601. Donations are also accepted online at www.futurefisherman.org/donate/