Bill Mitcham, age 76, of Bernice, LA, passed away at his home that he shared with his wife Judy on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Bernice Methodist Church with Dr. Johnie Adkins and Bro. Reagan Colvin officiating.  Interment will immediately follow the service at the Bernice City Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Monday evening, May 19, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 at the church.

Bill was born October 29, 1948, in Ruston, LA, to parents Carroll and Mildred Mitcham. He grew up in Bernice graduating from Bernice High School in 1966. He attended Louisiana Tech University where he obtained a degree in Agriculture and a Masters Plus 30 in Education. Bill began his 35 year career with the Union Parish School Board, teaching and coaching baseball in Bernice and Spearsville, LA, for a short time before becoming the Board’s Administrator of State and Federal Funding. In 2010, Bill was elected Mayor of Bernice and served two terms before deciding not to seek re-election. He enjoyed raising cattle and was a diehard New York Yankees fan. Bill was a life-time member of Bernice Methodist Church.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, nephew Jack Mitcham, brother-in-law Blane Kelly, first-cousins Bobby Mitcham and Judy Mitcham Parish, and dear friend Cotton Arnsdorff.

Bill is survived by his wife of 17 years Judy Kelly Mitcham; step son, Bart Miller (Shea); sister Mary Mitcham Butler and brother-in-law Joe, brother Robert Mitcham, sister-in-law Cheryl Kelly McCormick and brother-in-law Gary; step grandsons: Maddox and Cullen Miller; first cousin Carole Ann Kaplan; nephews Jason Butler, Jacob Mitcham, and Seth Manly; nieces Nicole Butler Shepherd (Jeff) and Sara Manly Nola (Matt); great-nephews Cole Shepherd, Paxton Nola and Levi Nola; great-nieces Marisa Shepherd and Zoey-Lynn Nola;  fur babies Bailey and KittyKat; and many close and dear friends and relatives.

Honoring Bill as pallbearers are Jason Butler, Jacob Mitcham, Cole Shepherd, Jason Johnson, Matt Nola, and John Cook.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

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