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Ernest Earl Mitchell, 90, passed away peacefully Monday, April 7, 2025,  in the comfort of his home.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He was an avid reader and enjoyed many genres.  He loved gardening, working in his yard, dancing with his bride, designing flower arrangements, and spending time with his friends and family.  Ernest would say that his greatest legacy is his family.  He was known by his six grandchildren  as “Deda” and he simply loved that role.  His quick wit, his love of beautiful things, his value of hard work, his devotion to his family, and his fierce loyalty are all characteristics that can be found in his children and grandchildren.  

Mr.  Mitchell was born in Augusta, Georgia on March 23, 1935 to Glenn Elbert Mitchell and Mary Ruth Cogburn Mitchell of Augusta, GA.  Mr. Mitchell was a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he received an SBA in Finance.  He served 8 years in the U.S. Army Reserves with 6 months active duty. He was a graduate of National Trust School, Northwestern University-Evanston, Illinois, and was employed for 25 years by C&S National Bank, and worked in Augusta, Savannah and Atlanta. Mr. Mitchell was Vice - President in charge of the Trust Department in Atlanta and in Savannah, he was President of the Augusta Chapter of the American Institute of Banking.

He was an instructor for the American Institute of Banking in Savannah, an instructor of Ballroom Dancing in Augusta and Savannah, the Treasurer of the Savannah Science Museum, Chairman of the Board for Savannah Speech and Hearing Center, and served on the Board of Victor B. Jenkins Boy's Club.  He was a member of the Augusta Jaycees, Savannah Civitan International, and Savannah Rotary West.  

He was a Loaned Executive with the United Way, and a Trustee of Ships of the Sea Museum.  

Mr. Mitchell retired from the bank and started his own business, Merriwicke Gifts and Decorative Accessories, on November 28, 1978.  Eight years later, Merriwicke became the beloved Merriwicke Florist and Gifts, where he was the owner and Chief designer until he  retired in 2015 at the age of 80.

He also served as Chairman of 1993 and 1994 Georgia State Florists' Association Conventions, served as a judge in Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta in 1994, was President of District VI Georgia Florists' Association for four years, Treasurer in 1995 for Georgia State Florists' Association Convention, Chairman of Audit Committee, Georgia State Florists' Association Chairman of Election Committee, Georgia State Florists' Association Board Member and past President of District VI of GSFA.  

Mr. Mitchell was also Chairman of the Finance Committee for the Georgia State Florists' Association, and past member of Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, past Redbook Master Consultant, and Georgia Master Florist, having completed the GSFA Certification program at Abraham Baldwin college in Tifton, Georgia.  He was also an Instructor for the Accounting portion of the GSFA Certification Program at Abraham Baldwin College, a member of the Savannah Cotillion Club, Chatham Club and Delphinium Society. 

 He was an active and faithful member of Independent Presbyterian Church since 1968 where he served as Deacon, Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent, Bell Choir and Choir member, Elder, Finance Chairman, and Trustee. Mr. Mitchell loved being with his church family who has meant so much to him over the years. 

Surviving are his wife, Dorothy Clayton Mitchell of Greenwood, South Carolina, 2 children, Ernest Earl Mitchell, Jr. (Susie Little), and Ruth Mitchell Bagnal (Kirk D.), 6 grandchildren, Kimberly Ann Bagnal Russell (Robert), Kaitlyn Ruth Bagnal, Kaleb Derrick Bagnal,  Karson William Bagnal, Lila Claire Mitchell Jimenez (Raphael), and Glenn Clayton Mitchell; and 4 great-grandchildren,  Ruby Kate Russell, Jordyn Mae Russell, Benjamin Kirk Russell, and David Michael Russell. 

The Memorial Service to honor his life will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Independent Presbyterian Church.  

A private burial will be held prior to the service in Bonaventure Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401.