Jennis McAuther "Fireball" Mitchell

July 1, 1942 - January 29, 2021

Jennis McAuther “Fireball” Mitchell 78 of Hiddenite went to be with the Lord Friday January 29, 2021. Born July 1, 1942 to the late James Auther and Agnes Benge Mitchell. Jennis was of the Baptist faith and attended Sulphur Springs Baptist Church. Jennis went to Hiddenite School, and the later graduated from Mitchell College. He upholstered prior to retiring from CommScope in Claremont as a fiber support operator after 27 years. Jennis served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Jennis loved yard work, gardening, deer hunting, his flowers and raising his white doves. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 1st wife Melinda Kay Barker of 52 years, one sister Caroline Agnes Mitchell and one brother Kenny Mitchell of Hiddenite. The loved ones left to cherish the memories of Fireball include his wife Ellen Johnson Durmire Mitchell, a daughter Tanya Mitchell and a son Shawn William Mitchell of Hiddenite. Granddaughter Kayla Sigmon of Chapel Hill, one brother Jay (Jearlean) Mitchell of Hiddenite, a sister Joyce (Norman) Simpers of Florida, and several nieces and nephews. Jennis will lie in state at Alexander Funeral Service Monday February 1, 2021, Tuesday February 2, 2021, Wednesday February 3, 2021 from 9 am until 5 pm. Also Thursday February 4, 2021 from 9 am until 2:30 pm. The funeral service will be following at Alexander Funeral Service Chapel at 3 pm with Rev. Neil George, Rev. Steve Dagenhart, Rev. Paul Fox, Rev. Greg Davidson. Graveside to follow in the Hiddenite Cemetery with military honors provided by DAV ch. 84, 86. Pallbearers will be Jeff, Jerry, Dale Mitchell, Dalton Durmire, Devin Durmire, and Brian Dejarnette. Singing will be done by The John Lancaster Family. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Covid-19 restrictions will apply. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service. Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com