Stanley Jay Mitchell, age 65, of Frankewing, Tennessee, passed away on April 6, 2025, at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, Alabama. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Bunker Hill Church of God, with Pastor Tommy Frady officiating. Burial will follow in Storey Cemetery. Visitation with the family will take place at the church beginning at 1:00 PM, prior to the service.
Born on January 10, 1960, in Lincoln County, Tennessee, Stanley was the son of the late Lyndall Mitchell and Wanda Ree Storey Mitchell. Known as “Jay-Bird,” he was a graduate of Boonshill School and earned a degree in agriculture from Middle Tennessee State University.
Stanley was a lifelong farmer, devoted to the land and the legacy of his family. Together with his family, he raised dairy cattle and grew tobacco—a tradition he honored throughout his life. His faithful companion, a dog named Buddy Boy, was often by his side in the fields and on the farm he loved.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Deby Mitchell of Frankewing; sisters, Sharon Robinson of Knoxville, and Valeree (Chris) Pitman of Mt. Juliet; nephews, Andy (Peyton) Pitman and Alex (Alexis) Pitman; and great-niece, Paxton Pitman.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Stanley Jay Mitchell.
To my dear friend Deby, my sincere condolences to you. I have only had the pleasure of meeting Jay once and he was a joy to know. Deby I pray that you receive the comfort of God during this difficult time.
Many of us enjoyed our time with Jay at MTSU. He was fun to be around and he was loved by all. He was the kind of person that brings out the best in people! Among many of his good qualities is his work ethic! We are saddened for friends and family and our prayers go out to all!
I am so sorry to hear about Jay. He was such a good down to earth person who would do anything for you. We were at MTSU at the same time and found we were distantly related. He will be missed. My prayers go out to the family.
Jay was a wonderful neighbor. He will be greatly missed so sorry for the family loss praying for you all
My prayers go out to Jay Bird’s family during their time of loss. Jay Bird and I went to school together at Boonshill and I helped Jay Bird and his family with their tobacco crop, wonderful memories. Jay Bird and his family were great examples of a hard working Christian family , and we were always ready for lunch as there was a terrific meal waiting for us. 😊 , Prayers and God’s Blessings to all the family
I’m so sorry to hear about Jay’s passing. The last time I saw him, he and his mom came by to visit when my mom passed away. Jay’s granddad Walter and my granddad Atha Dee were brothers. Deepest sympathy.