Dr. Rodney Russell Mitchell, Sr., 78, of Cedartown, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord, July 1st 2012, with his family by his side.

Dr. Mitchell was born on January 29, 1934 and raised in Hiram, GA. He lived in Cedartown, GA for over fifty years.
In his younger years he obtained an education from Hiram Elementary School and Hiram High School, Graduating in 1952. From 1952-1958 he attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA. He proceeded on to Emory University School of Dentistry, receiving a Doctorate of Dental Surgery Degree in 1959 and was licensed by the State of Georgia in 1959. Within the same year he began practicing dentistry, opening his practice in Polk County. Dr. Mitchell was an adored dentist with dedicated patients, and practiced dentistry for 53 years, until his final days.

He was an exceptional man with numerous accomplishments. Dr. Mitchell was the former President of Tri-County Tuberculosis Assn. (Polk-Bartow-Floyd). He was a former member of the Cedartown Board of Education. He was a former member of the Cedartown Lions Club & a former member of the Cedartown "50" Club. The following were his professional affiliations: Past Delegate to State Convention from N.W. District of Georgia, Secretary-Treasurer of N.W. District Dental Society, V.P. of N.W. District Dental Society, President of N.W. Dental Society, Staff member of Polk General Hospital (26 years), Staff member of Rockmart-Aragon Hospital (10 years), & Dentist for Polk County Dept. of Public Safety (10 years).

Dr. Mitchell enjoyed many hobbies of which he shared countless experiences with his family & friends. In the late 1960's he flew a Cessna with his buddies in and around the Polk County area. He also loved fishing, & hunting, always attempting to get the biggest catch & the award winning buck. Dr. Mitchell treasured spending time with one of his sons and best friends, Sam Mitchell in which the two of them would rival each other in motocross. He exhibited his enthusiasm for 2 of his sons (James & Zach) by coaching Little League Baseball and 11-12 year old Boys Basketball. He looked forward to spending time with his son Rod, taking trips together and having long intellectual & subjective conversations. During his daughter's teen years, he contributed to her love for music by taking her and her friends to many concerts in Atlanta. He was very proud of her vocal accomplishments at Darlington & supported her in all of her endeavors.

Dr. Mitchell was an avid Rome Braves fan and was a ticket holder since their first season. He was a proud member of the Section 101 Rome Braves Club and looked forward to spending time with his friends every Saturday eating breakfast at Troy's.

He was a devoted member of Southside Baptist Church. He was a Sunday School Director for many years and he was an enthusiastic participant in the Volunteer Jail Ministry.

Survivors include his wife, Donna D. Mitchell, to whom he was married for 34 years; 4 sons, Rodney R. Mitchell Jr., Durham, NC, Samuel C. Mitchell & his wife, Connie, Rome, Zach P. Mitchell, Marietta, James P. Mitchell, Cedartown; a daughter, Erika M. Abercrombie, & her husband, Richard, Chattanooga, TN; & step brother Jeff Porter.

He is preceded in death by his mother Mildred Mitchell Porter, his father Marion Carl Mitchell, & his stepfather Bill Porter.

The family will be receiving friends on Monday, July 2, 2012 from 6-9PM at the Gammage Funeral home in Cedartown, GA.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 2PM at Southside Baptist Church. His Pastor, the Rev. Joel Smith, & the Rev. Roger Whorton will officiate.

Pallbearers will include: Jeremy Tracy, Wayne Couch, Sean Couch, Bobby Jones, Tony Tyler, & Tony Brock.

Dr. Mitchell displayed patience & unconditional love for his family and friends, living his life to help others. His generosity, selflessness & calm presence will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Please express your condolences to the family by visiting our website and signing the online guestbook at gammagefh.com.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for Dr. Rodney Russell Mitchell, Sr.