Celebrating the life of
Judge Charles B. Mikell
December 25, 1941 - November 04, 2013
Judge Charles B. Mikell
Judge Charles B. Mikell, age 71, died November 4, 2013 at home of complications of multiple myeloma, under the care of Hospice Savannah. He was born in Savannah on December 25, 1941. He attended public schools and graduated from Savannah Country Day School in 1959 and from Princeton University in 1963. He attended graduate school in European History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated from the University of Georgia, School of Law, with honors, in 1976.
Between Princeton and graduate school, Judge Mikell served as an Army Intelligence Officer, leaving active duty as a captain in 1969. After service in Massachusetts, California and Germany, he was stationed for one year at Pleiku in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, where he was attached to the Central Intelligence Agency, and later advised South Vietnamese forces. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Republic of Vietnam's Gallantry Cross, First Class.
After law school, he began the private practice of law in Savannah as an associate and later a partner with the firm of Brannen, Wessels, and Searcy. He specialized in litigation, especially insurance, products liability and architects and engineers malpractice defense. He also practiced in South Carolina in the field of trusts and estates. In 1985 he was appointed Judge of the State Court of Chatham County by Governor Joe Frank Harris. He was elected to that post in 1986 and served as Chief Judge of that court from 1990-1992. He was President of the Georgia Council of State Court Judges from 1989-1990.
In 1992 he was elected Judge of Superior Court of the Eastern Judicial Circuit Chatham County, and was re-elected in 1996. He served as Administrative Judge of the First Judicial District, a member of the Judicial Council of Georgia and the Executive Committee of the Georgia Council of Superior Court Judges. In 2000 he was appointed a judge of the Court of Appeals of Georgia by Governor Roy Barnes, was elected to that post in 2002 and re-elected in 2008. To serve on that court, he commuted weekly to Atlanta. He served as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals in 2011-2012 and retired in that August.
His community activities included service as vice-president and later chairman of the board of the King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation, a museum of African History and Culture, president of the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Justsice Center, a non-profit mediation center, and service of the local boards of United Way, the Arthritis Foundation, the Boy Scouts, and the Devereaux Foundation, a national foundation for troubled youth. He taught Sunday School, served as a vestryman, and sang in the choir at Christ Church. He especially enjoyed coaching basketball in the eight-and-under league at the Victor B. Jenkins Memorial Boys Club. He was given Special Recognition from his service by the King-Tisdell Foundation in 2007. IN 2013 he became an honorary Diplomate of the American Board of Trial Advocates. In 2006 he was awarded the chief Justice Thomas O. Marshall Professionalism award by the State Bar of Georgia. In 2011 he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the NAACP.
He is survived by his wife of thirty-three years, Julia LeCraw Mikell, M.D., three sons, Charles B. Mikell, III, M.D. Chuck and his wife Dr. Isadora Botwinick Mikell, John LeCraw Mikell and his wife Jane Lancaster Mikell, Samuel LeCraw Mikell, a brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Oswald Lightsey Mikell and Lilly Mikell, and two grandsons, John , Jr., and James. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Claudia Mikell.
He was a member of the Rotary Club of Savannah, the Commerce Club of Atlanta, the Lawyers Club of Atlanta, the Old War Horse Lawyers' Club, the Princeton Clubs of Savannah and New York, and the Army and Navy Clubs of Washington, D.C., the Society of Colonial Wars and the Sons of Revolution.
The family wishes to acknowledge the outstanding care of his oncologists, Dr. O. George Negrea of Savannah, and Dr. Sagar Lonial of Emory University, Atlanta; as well as longtime driver, bodyguard and friend, Herman Blackshear and secretary and friend for over thirty years, Mrs. Linda King.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 7, 2013 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral Service will be at Christ Church Episcopal at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 8, 2013 with private burial at Bonaventure Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Malcolm Bell, III, Frank P. Brannen, William T. Daniel, jr., Marshall H. Earl, jr., John J. Ellington, Otto F. Feil, Donald Kole, Robert O. McCloud, jr., Daniel O'Day, Carl S. Pedigo, Brent S. Savage, and Steven E. Scheer.
Honorary Pallbearers will be the judges of the Georgia Court of Appeals.
Remembrances may be sent to the King-Tisdell Foundation, 502 E. Harris Street, Savannah, GA 31401; or the St. Joseph's/Candler Foundation, Heart-Lung Building, Candler Hospital, 5353 Reynolds Street, Savannah, GA 31405; or the Devereaux Foundation, 1291 Stanley Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Dr. Mikell and the family of the esteemed Jurist Charles Mikell, I only just learned of the Judge's passing. I would like to extend my condolences and that of my family. I am only a distant kinsman but I had the honor of interacting with him as a Georgia Peace officer a number of years ago. He was such a force on the Neighbor to Neighbor Justice program in Savannah. Judge Mikell had a real belief in the doctrines of restorative justice and the idea that adversarial proceedings were not the only way to solve problems. Bless him and all his family. A humble decent man has left this stage and we are all better for the performance we witnessed and sadder for the closing of the curtain. Ronald A. Mikell
- Ronald Mikell, Springfield, VA
So sorry to learn of Judge Mikell's passing. We always enjoyed visiting with him during Sam and Tyler's tennis matches. He will be missed.
- Reuben and Betsy Flanders, Waycross, GA
Julia, Charlie fought the good fight and has been an inspiration to everyone. We were all lucky to have known him. The world is a better place for his having passed through it. We are better people for having known him. I am sorry that Lynda and I could not make the service. We were out of town. Wishing you and your sons the very best.
- Gene Brooks, Savannah, GA
The Worley family sends our condolences to the Mikell family on your loss. Charles was so proud of his family,deservedly so.
- Paul Worley, Savannah, GA
Judge Mikell was an extraordinary renaissance man who had an amazing intellect coupled with a passionate interest and commitment to his family and his community. He cared deeply for troubled youth and served on the Board of the Devereux Georgia Treatment Network. He wanted to be an active part of making the world a better place, and he succeeded. He will be deeply missed.
- Beth Murry Chadwick, Roswell, GA
A fantastic and caring man who still took time to make a meaningful contribution to Princeton and the Princeton Club of Savannah. We will miss him.
- Walt & Carol Culin, Savannah, GA
Weep for me if you must, but only for a short while. For my life's journey has ended. But as for yours you must carry on. You will need all of your will and strength to trod the road ahead. Weep for me if you must , but only for a short while for I am always there in memories and love. By Gerald Owens with love from Gerald jerry & Shirley Owens
- Gerald &Shirley Owens, Savannah, GA
Our heartfelt sympathy. During the years, I have kept all of the postcards of the boys up to them becoming adults with spouses. He was so very proud of his family. A principled man. Before I left the State Senate in 2008 I would see him occasionally. He enjoyed what he was doing. He will be missed.
- Regina Thomas, Savannah, GA
Heartfelt sympathy goes to Judge Mikell's family. It was an honor to know him and for our children to be classmates with Chuck and John. You are all in our thoughts. Jack, Dianna, Jonathan, and Kari Weber
- Dianna Weber, Pooler, GA
With deepest sympathy and thoughtful remembrance
- Shelby A. Outlaw, Atlanta, GA
Dear Julia, Please allow me to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. It was both an honor and a pleasure to serve with Charlie on the Court of Appeals and to be his friend.
- Anne Elizabeth Barnes, Atlanta, GA
Dr. Mikell and Family you are in our thoughts and prayers. We did not know Judge Mikell but you were Jerrell's doctor over 30 years stroke ago and you are were very special to us. May the Lord continue to bless and comfort you.
- Barbara and Jerrell Moody, Ludowici, GA
Dear Julia, We feel privileged to have known Charlie. He was such a fine and upstanding person. And from Frank, 'how wonderful you and Charlie were to work for when he worked on your home years ago'. May God bless you and your family, Melly McNeal
- Melly McNeal, Savannah, GA
Dr.Mikell My deepest sympathy to you and your family Phyllis
- Phyllis Glisson, Savannah, GA
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- david & debra brogdon, pooler, GA
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family for the death of your dear Loved One. May you find comfort in the words of Rev. 21:4: 'And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.' A.Thomas
- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA
Dear Julia and Family, Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of the Judge.He was a good friend,good lawyer and super Judge!He will be missed by many throughout the state.You will be in our prayers going forward.
- Tom & Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Julia, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are praying for you daily. Bill and Eleanor
- Bill & Eleanor Scarbrough, Savannah, GA
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of a beloved husband,father and grandfather. Charles was one of the finest people I have ever known He will be sorely missed. June and Gene Bargeron.
- eugene Bargeron, Savannah, GA
We are sorry to hear that Judge Mikell has passed. We will remember him for his service to our country and our community. He will be missed.
- Pat and Art Gunter, Savannah, GA
Julia, Sam, John and Chuck, Love to all of you during this time of loss. Judge Mikell will be remembered by us as a dedicated and honorable gentleman. Steve and Robin Lewis and Chris and Sam Funderburk
- Steve and Robin Lewis, Savannah, GA
I only knew you and the judge for about five years. During this time I could tell you were two people to admire and grow to love. I hope it gives you some comfort to know that you and your family are surrounded by love. I'm so sorry, the judge was a go-getter.
- Evelyn Cook, Savannah, GA
Please accept my condolences. I was sorry to read of your loved one's death. Please take comfort in the fact that sickness and death will soon be things of the past. Isaiah 25:8
- Glendale, , GA
Judge Mikell was a fine man and a great jurist. He will be missed.
- Leah Ward Sears, Atlanta, GA
A Good Human Being! A fighter for Justice for All! His legacy continues this fight. God's Blessings to you all.
- Mr. & Mrs. Robert Elaine, Kelie and Kelcee Class of 2007 Connor, Savannah, GA
Oz, I am so sorry for your loss. Your brother sounds like he was a wonderful person. The world has lost quite a man! Your sister-in-law Barbara
- Barbara Kirkham, Powder Springs, GA
Such a great and loving cousin. We love him and his wonderful family and hope to see all of them more often.
- Tricia, Toby, Harrison, Thomas Westmoreland, Bluffton, SC
Julia and Family, Was saddened to learn of Charlie's passing. He was a fine man and we will miss our classmate of 1959. Dee
- Dee Sharpley Yates, Willis, TX
To: Dr. Julia Mikell and Family You are in my Thoughts and Prayers Mrs. Gwendolyn Dozier
- Gwendolyn, Savannah, GA
Julia & Family, Our hearts and prayers are with all of you. Unfortunately, we cannot express that in person as we will return to Savannah on Sunday. He will be sorely missed as no one can ever fill his shoes. His legacy of goodness and good will is huge and we are all blessed to have known such a wonderful man.
- Patty & Heyward Gignilliat, , GA
Dear family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your husband, brother, and father. Charlie was ahead of us in school and in life. We could not have imagined what a force for good he would become. We pray that the good times you had are forefront in your memories. With prayers and sympathy, Angela and Dick
- Angela & Dick Mahany, Cartersville, GA
Julia Our community mourns the loss of a great man who was truly your soul mate. I hope it gives you some comfort to know that you are surrounded by so many who love and admire you
- Barbara Gatens, Savannah, GA
Dear Julia: My heart paused and life suddenly seemed more finite when I learned of Charles' death. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with you, and those you love and who love you as you and your family cope with this most difficult time. I hope soon you will be able to begin the cherish the wonderful memories he left behind. I remember so well how Mike and I signed our first Will, written by Charles, by candlelight at a little table in your front hall! I pray that you, Chuck, John, and Sam will care for yourselves as you care for others. Most sincerely and fondly, Rhee and Mike
- Rhee and Mike Fincher, Augusta, GA
A wonderful man who will be missed greatly. My love to Julia and the boys.
- Laura McMillan, Savannah, GA
Julia, We share your loss of a really great man. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Alberta and John Fillingim
- Dr John Fillingim, Savannah, GA
To Ozzie, Julia and Sons, Our family wishes to send our condolences. Monte, Peter and Tricia Ray
- Patricia Ray, Savannah, GA
Please accept my condolences for your loss. I enjoyed knowing Judge Mikell and was honored to call him a friend.
- Beth Scott, Madison, GA
My deepest sympathies to Julia, Chuck, John, and Sam.
- Marianne Mikell, Beaufort, SC
Dr. Mikell and the family of the esteemed Jurist Charles Mikell, I only just learned of the Judge's passing. I would like to extend my condolences and that of my family. I am only a distant kinsman but I had the honor of interacting with him as a Georgia Peace officer a number of years ago. He was such a force on the Neighbor to Neighbor Justice program in Savannah. Judge Mikell had a real belief in the doctrines of restorative justice and the idea that adversarial proceedings were not the only way to solve problems. Bless him and all his family. A humble decent man has left this stage and we are all better for the performance we witnessed and sadder for the closing of the curtain. Ronald A. Mikell
- Ronald Mikell, Springfield, VA
So sorry to learn of Judge Mikell's passing. We always enjoyed visiting with him during Sam and Tyler's tennis matches. He will be missed.
- Reuben and Betsy Flanders, Waycross, GA
Julia, Charlie fought the good fight and has been an inspiration to everyone. We were all lucky to have known him. The world is a better place for his having passed through it. We are better people for having known him. I am sorry that Lynda and I could not make the service. We were out of town. Wishing you and your sons the very best.
- Gene Brooks, Savannah, GA
The Worley family sends our condolences to the Mikell family on your loss. Charles was so proud of his family,deservedly so.
- Paul Worley, Savannah, GA
Judge Mikell was an extraordinary renaissance man who had an amazing intellect coupled with a passionate interest and commitment to his family and his community. He cared deeply for troubled youth and served on the Board of the Devereux Georgia Treatment Network. He wanted to be an active part of making the world a better place, and he succeeded. He will be deeply missed.
- Beth Murry Chadwick, Roswell, GA
A fantastic and caring man who still took time to make a meaningful contribution to Princeton and the Princeton Club of Savannah. We will miss him.
- Walt & Carol Culin, Savannah, GA
Weep for me if you must, but only for a short while. For my life's journey has ended. But as for yours you must carry on. You will need all of your will and strength to trod the road ahead. Weep for me if you must , but only for a short while for I am always there in memories and love. By Gerald Owens with love from Gerald jerry & Shirley Owens
- Gerald &Shirley Owens, Savannah, GA
Our heartfelt sympathy. During the years, I have kept all of the postcards of the boys up to them becoming adults with spouses. He was so very proud of his family. A principled man. Before I left the State Senate in 2008 I would see him occasionally. He enjoyed what he was doing. He will be missed.
- Regina Thomas, Savannah, GA
Heartfelt sympathy goes to Judge Mikell's family. It was an honor to know him and for our children to be classmates with Chuck and John. You are all in our thoughts. Jack, Dianna, Jonathan, and Kari Weber
- Dianna Weber, Pooler, GA
With deepest sympathy and thoughtful remembrance
- Shelby A. Outlaw, Atlanta, GA
Dear Julia, Please allow me to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. It was both an honor and a pleasure to serve with Charlie on the Court of Appeals and to be his friend.
- Anne Elizabeth Barnes, Atlanta, GA
Dr. Mikell and Family you are in our thoughts and prayers. We did not know Judge Mikell but you were Jerrell's doctor over 30 years stroke ago and you are were very special to us. May the Lord continue to bless and comfort you.
- Barbara and Jerrell Moody, Ludowici, GA
Dear Julia, We feel privileged to have known Charlie. He was such a fine and upstanding person. And from Frank, 'how wonderful you and Charlie were to work for when he worked on your home years ago'. May God bless you and your family, Melly McNeal
- Melly McNeal, Savannah, GA
Dr.Mikell My deepest sympathy to you and your family Phyllis
- Phyllis Glisson, Savannah, GA
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- david & debra brogdon, pooler, GA
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family for the death of your dear Loved One. May you find comfort in the words of Rev. 21:4: 'And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.' A.Thomas
- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA
Dear Julia and Family, Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of the Judge.He was a good friend,good lawyer and super Judge!He will be missed by many throughout the state.You will be in our prayers going forward.
- Tom & Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Julia, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are praying for you daily. Bill and Eleanor
- Bill & Eleanor Scarbrough, Savannah, GA
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of a beloved husband,father and grandfather. Charles was one of the finest people I have ever known He will be sorely missed. June and Gene Bargeron.
- eugene Bargeron, Savannah, GA
We are sorry to hear that Judge Mikell has passed. We will remember him for his service to our country and our community. He will be missed.
- Pat and Art Gunter, Savannah, GA
Julia, Sam, John and Chuck, Love to all of you during this time of loss. Judge Mikell will be remembered by us as a dedicated and honorable gentleman. Steve and Robin Lewis and Chris and Sam Funderburk
- Steve and Robin Lewis, Savannah, GA
I only knew you and the judge for about five years. During this time I could tell you were two people to admire and grow to love. I hope it gives you some comfort to know that you and your family are surrounded by love. I'm so sorry, the judge was a go-getter.
- Evelyn Cook, Savannah, GA
Please accept my condolences. I was sorry to read of your loved one's death. Please take comfort in the fact that sickness and death will soon be things of the past. Isaiah 25:8
- Glendale, , GA
Judge Mikell was a fine man and a great jurist. He will be missed.
- Leah Ward Sears, Atlanta, GA
A Good Human Being! A fighter for Justice for All! His legacy continues this fight. God's Blessings to you all.
- Mr. & Mrs. Robert Elaine, Kelie and Kelcee Class of 2007 Connor, Savannah, GA
Oz, I am so sorry for your loss. Your brother sounds like he was a wonderful person. The world has lost quite a man! Your sister-in-law Barbara
- Barbara Kirkham, Powder Springs, GA
Such a great and loving cousin. We love him and his wonderful family and hope to see all of them more often.
- Tricia, Toby, Harrison, Thomas Westmoreland, Bluffton, SC
Julia and Family, Was saddened to learn of Charlie's passing. He was a fine man and we will miss our classmate of 1959. Dee
- Dee Sharpley Yates, Willis, TX
To: Dr. Julia Mikell and Family You are in my Thoughts and Prayers Mrs. Gwendolyn Dozier
- Gwendolyn, Savannah, GA
Julia & Family, Our hearts and prayers are with all of you. Unfortunately, we cannot express that in person as we will return to Savannah on Sunday. He will be sorely missed as no one can ever fill his shoes. His legacy of goodness and good will is huge and we are all blessed to have known such a wonderful man.
- Patty & Heyward Gignilliat, , GA
Dear family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your husband, brother, and father. Charlie was ahead of us in school and in life. We could not have imagined what a force for good he would become. We pray that the good times you had are forefront in your memories. With prayers and sympathy, Angela and Dick
- Angela & Dick Mahany, Cartersville, GA
Julia Our community mourns the loss of a great man who was truly your soul mate. I hope it gives you some comfort to know that you are surrounded by so many who love and admire you
- Barbara Gatens, Savannah, GA
Dear Julia: My heart paused and life suddenly seemed more finite when I learned of Charles' death. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with you, and those you love and who love you as you and your family cope with this most difficult time. I hope soon you will be able to begin the cherish the wonderful memories he left behind. I remember so well how Mike and I signed our first Will, written by Charles, by candlelight at a little table in your front hall! I pray that you, Chuck, John, and Sam will care for yourselves as you care for others. Most sincerely and fondly, Rhee and Mike
- Rhee and Mike Fincher, Augusta, GA
A wonderful man who will be missed greatly. My love to Julia and the boys.
- Laura McMillan, Savannah, GA
Julia, We share your loss of a really great man. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Alberta and John Fillingim
- Dr John Fillingim, Savannah, GA
To Ozzie, Julia and Sons, Our family wishes to send our condolences. Monte, Peter and Tricia Ray
- Patricia Ray, Savannah, GA
Please accept my condolences for your loss. I enjoyed knowing Judge Mikell and was honored to call him a friend.
- Beth Scott, Madison, GA
My deepest sympathies to Julia, Chuck, John, and Sam.
- Marianne Mikell, Beaufort, SC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
