Clifton Mitchell Jr. (Buddy) entered this world March 29th, 1936.  Born in West Point, Mississippi, he was the sixth child to bless the union of Clifton Mitchell and Beatrice Mitchell (nee Westbrooks). Working on the family farm in his youth he learned life lessons, hard work and the value of a dollar. Clifton lived by and believed in the Mitchell Family motto “Faith, Unity and Education”.

His mother taught him respect, love of God and the importance of having an impeccable appearance.   His father taught him pride, work ethic, the importance of family unity, and always tell the truth; your word is your bond.  His spiritual guidance came each Sunday at Stronghill Baptist Church.

After graduating from North Side High School in 1956 in West Point, Ms., Clifton relocated to Columbus, Ohio where his brother Joseph lived; and where he resided for the remainder of his life.  In order to support himself and pay for his education, he decided to find work in the construction business.  He was great with his hands and sharp with his mind, but lacked the confidence needed to demand the salary he deserved. He believed that a man who does more than he is paid for will soon be paid for more than he does.

Clifton went to work for Orvell White who taught him how to finish cement.  He listened and learned, and honed his skills until his expertise got the attention of competitors that offered positions with their company for a higher salary.  After watching others become wealthy off the sweat of his brow, his entrepreneurial spirit was awakened.  Full of determination and confidence he was not afraid to take risk, so with a shovel, a wheel barrow and $50, C.M. Concrete Co. was established. With those limited resources, hard work, determination and a dream he was able to build a house, support a family, employ people and pass on a trade.
Clifton met and fell in love with and married Joyce (nee Williams).  They had four children, Sharon, Beatrice, Clifton D. and Adrian. Clifton was a kind, honest and hardworking man. He arose before the sun came up and worked until after dark. He was the type of man that inspired his children and pushed them to seek independence.  He encouraged, reassured, and challenged them to be their best. He was stern yet compassionate. He was a man of faith and deeds. His favorite bible passage was Mathew 17:20 which states if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move a mountain. He often wore a neckless with a small mustard seed.  This was to remind him and others that with God all things are possible.   

In his spare time he had many passions.  Besides being an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, he was also a wine connoisseur and a chef.  Clifton would spend many weekends hunting or fishing.  He said it gave him peace and taught him patience.  When he was unable to find the type of wine he liked in stores, he did the next best thing, he created his own.  He would make wine from grapes, cherries, pears, and other fruit.   Clifton could make a meal  that in which the meat would melt in your mouth, the best Collard greens north of the Mississippi and goulash that had you requesting more.

Clifton Mitchell was an honorable man. His stature was small but his heart was big.    The red clay of Mississippi nurtured his roots and the red blood in his veins was the foundation of his heritage.  His dark-complexion was kissed by the southern sun. He had a smile that lit up the room and a laugh that was contagious. As he aged body grew weaker and his spirit grew stronger;  as his words grew softer his messages grew louder.  Clifton touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end.

Clifton Mitchell Jr. was preceded in death by his loving parents Clifton and Beatrice Mitchell, ex-wife, Joyce; three brothers, Richard C., Nathaniel and Joseph; two sisters, Jane and Vera; one grandchild, Paul Lewis. He is survived by four children; daughters, Sharon(Carlos), Beatrice, Clifton D.(Laura), and Adrian; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sisters, Lovely and Lilly; a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Clifton Mitchell Jr. request his physical remains be cremated and his ashes be spread in the city of his birth, West Point, Ms. on the final resting place of his father and mother.