Harold Edward Mitchell

HAROLD MITCHELL, 85, was born October 24, 1936 in Pine Bluff, Ark., to F. Harold and Reba Lee Adams Mitchell. He departed this earth April 13, 2022. He was pre-deceased by his parents and a brother, William F. (Bill) Mitchell. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rene Boschetti Mitchell; three children, Reade Mitchell (Carla Koen), Little Rock, Molly Beasley (Jason) Richmond, Va. and Amy Sims (Robert), Maumelle; four grandchildren; Aidan Beasley, Taylor Rene Beasley, Kelsey Beasley and Emily Koone; A sister, Margaret Ann Mitchell Murchison (Rodger) of Augusta, Ga., nieces and nephews, as well as countless "spiritual" children from all over the world. Harold was born and raised in Pine Bluff, in the idyllic "Happy Days." He was friendly and had many friends. His love for music led him into the Jr. and Sr. High School bands, where he played the French horn, served as drum major and was noted for spectacular twirling of fire batons. He continued exhibiting his twirling skills as drum major of the Reddie marching band at Henderson State Teachers College where he did his pre-dental studies. From there he attended the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry in Memphis where he obtained his DDS Degree. While there, he married his childhood sweetheart, Rene Boschetti. After graduation and three years of military service at Ft. Dix, N.J., he was in private dental practice in Pine Bluff for 11 years. From the marriage issued an incredibly blessed and long life together, producing three children, taking them into an ever-deepening spiritual life which led them to life and ministry in a number African countries and the Indian Ocean Islands. In preparation for missionary service he studied at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. and Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Harold's dental skills and musical gift with the French horn gave him many ministry opportunities. His always active wit caused him to give himself the nick-name, "the horn of Africa." While in Africa Harold served in a number of capacities, including conducting bush dental clinics, leader of the International Baptist Church of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and clinical instructor at the Muhimbili Medical Center there. Harold maintained his heart for service after retiring from Africa. He was pastor of Second Baptist Church in Pine Bluff and associate pastor at Eastside Baptist Church. He became involved in the KAIROS prison ministry, and served as chaplain at Randal Williams Correctional Institution in Pine Bluff. Harold was a life-long member of First Baptist Church, Pine Bluff, where he served as Sunday School teacher, deacon and Boy Scout leader. In recent years he worked with youth at First Baptist, Maumelle, and was a member of the Rock of Ages Sunday School class. It has been said that a life well lived brings its own rewards. Harold would agree that he was rich indeed with countless blessings from his beloved Lord Jesus. A celebration of Harold's life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to: International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, Va., 23233.