Douglas Ray Mitchell peacefully passed away listening to gospel songs by Elvis on June 8, 2023, surrounded by his daughter, Michelle; son-in-law Jesse; his grandchildren Alyssa and Austin Rocha; and his loving caregivers at Wellington Care Center.
Born on June 21, 1944, to Mary Lois and Raymond Mitchell, Doug grew up in his beloved hometown of Wellington, Texas. Many of his favorite memories were spent in Wellington and the surrounding communities, playing dances and the Miss Wellington pageant with his band, The Telstars. His first job was working for his uncle, Otis Roberson,at Otis’Grille. After graduating Wellington High School, he attended Clarendon College, becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree.
After college,Doug moved to Amarillo and began a long career in banking. After he left banking, he tried his hand at multiple careers, ultimately deciding that he liked being retired best.
Music was his lifelong passion and Elvis Presley was his favorite! Along with performing in the Wellington High School Marching Band and with The Telstars, he wrote many original songs, sharing his recordings on Facebook as Ray Douglas - Songwriter. Always willing to perform at a moment’s notice, he sang at many of the Tascosa National Bank’s Christmas parties and gave his final performance singing an Elvis song to his friends at Wellington Care Center.
His other lifelong passion was his love of his family and friends. He was so proud to be his father’s son and shared the love of Elvis’s gospel music with his mother. His grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws and lifelong friends were always spoken of by Doug with fondness and love.
Not only did he share his love of music with his children Michelle Leigh Mitchell Rocha and Presley Don Mitchell, he shared his belief in how the world should be. He taught his children that all men are created equal and deserve our love and respect. He passed away listening to Elvis’ “If I Can Dream,” and we know that in Heaven, his “dream of a better land,where all my brothers walk hand in hand” will be achieved.
As he neared the end of his life,Doug wanted to go home to Wellington and spent the last two years being cared for by the wonderful staff at Wellington Care Center and, as the end came,also by Gentiva Hospice caregivers. His family will always remember the love and kindness shown to their father by these amazing caregivers.
Proceeded in death by his parents and many lifelong friends, Douglas is survived by his daughter and son-inlaw, Michelle and Jesse Rocha; his son, Presley Mitchell; his grandchildren, Alyssa Rocha, Austin Rocha and Derian Mitchell; and lifelong friends, including Frances and Kent Holland and Billy Wilkerson.
A memorial service took place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 13 at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Wellington, where Doug will be laid to rest between his beloved parents. Arrangements and cremation were by Adams Funeral Home of Wellington.
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