Cecil Ray Mitchell

 Cecil Mitchell passed away peacefully on February 19, 2024, just two days short of his 94th birthday. Cecil was one of eleven children born to William and Jessie Mitchell. Originally from Oklahoma, Cecil moved to California as a young boy with his family. He would tell stories of how all 13 of them would fit in a car and what it was like growing up with siblings Shirley, Clinturel, Hurley, Carless, Kenneth, Darma Lee, Donald, Arlene, Helen and Wayne.

Growing up in the Fresno area, Cecil would tell stories of the “island” and surrounding area where he grew up. Cecil served our country in the US Army during the Korean War. In 1953, he  returned from Korea to California to marry his first wife Flora and have five children, Maxine, Donna, Alan, Floretta and Cecil, along with adopted daughters Wanda and Juanita, living first in Napa and then in Lake County.

Cecil married Marjorie in 1968 and together they enjoyed playing music, traveling and family until Marjorie’s death in 2011. Cecil became “Papa” to Marjorie’s five children: Sharon, Charlotte, Jimmy, Janet and Bud (Paul), their spouses and eventually 14 grand children and 22 great grandchildren.  Cecil was an important part of the lives of many. When marrying Marjorie, the blended family was substantial with 12 kids and eventually 29 grandchildren and 54 great grandchildren between the two sides. He was a kind and patient presence in our lives; always cracking jokes, playing the guitar, and teaching us new things.

Cecil retired from Kaiser Steel where he was a welder for over 30 years working on projects all over the Bay Area and on oil rigs. This was a career he was very proud of, wearing his Kaiser Steel belt buckle right up until the end. Cecil was also a musician. He loved playing the guitar, singing, and writing music. He and Marjorie performed country-western music locally for many years. He was also an accomplished outdoorsman, at home in the woods exploring, hunting, and fishing. Most summers from 1980 - 2015 were spent in Truckee at Tahoe Timber Trails, a place that was a second home to he and Marjorie and where many of the children also had nearby properties.

Although the last few years were tough, we will remember his bright smile, sense of humor and kind heart and are forever grateful to have had him in our lives.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on March 15, 2024, 11 AM at Tulo cay Chapel. In lieu of flowers, we recommend donating in Cecil’s name to the Napa Valley Education Foundation - Music Connection Program that ensures all children, regardless of their financial situation, have access to music education and instruments. https://www.musicconnection.org/