Anthony Kent Mitchell

Anthony Kent Mitchell passed away September 23, 2021, at WellStar Medical Center in Atlanta, GA. Kent was born on January 1, 1939 at Crawford Long Hospital. He was raised in Kirkwood and attended Kirkwood Elementary from 1944-1951; and attended Murphy High School 1951-1956.

Upon graduation, Kent joined the U.S. Marine Corps.  He went through boot camp at Parris Island and was assigned to Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines at Middle Camp Fuji Japan.  Kent was a radio operator during his overseas tour which took him from mainland Japan to Okinawa Island.  In October of 1960, Kent finished his four-year tour and was honorably discharged.  Kent returned to civilian life with the rank of corporal.

After returning to civilian life, Kent met the love the love of his life, Shirley Weaver of Lake Worth, Florida, after being introduced by a mutual friend. Shirley supported him to the fullest during trying times and gave him the determination to pursue a career in journalism.

As luck would have it, Kent landed his first job in journalism as a sportswriter at the Sun Sentinel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  He'd never written anything other than letters home; yet only three months later, he was writing full time.

Two years later, Kent and Shirley laid down roots in Stone Mountain where Kent wrote about outdoor sports for the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the next 35 years.  After retiring in 2004, Kent spent the remainder of his years seldom apart from his wife, Shirley, traveling whenever possible.  The two celebrated 62 years of marriage and Kent was in love with Shirley until the very end.

Kent is survived by his wife, Shirley Mitchell; daughters, Kathy Nelson and Carolyn Oliver; and son, Rick Mitchell.  Kent loved his grandchildren and will always be their “Papaw.” 

Everyone who remembers Kent is asked to celebrate his life in their own way. Semper Fi.

The service will be private.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter is in charge of the arrangements

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