Frankey Lane Mitchell, age 64, of Valrico, Florida went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, February 9, 2020. He is survived by his wife Deborah Mitchell, daughter Jennifer Hitchcock (Bill), grandchildren Cody, Brady, and Dylan Hughes of FL; brother Melvin Mitchell (Carole) of Indiana, nephew Joe Mitchell (Jamie) of OH, niece Nichole Kundtz (Jamie) of OH, niece Shannon Hicks (Thomas) of GA, niece Lindsay Duval of Kentucky, brother-in-law Gary Varner (Diane) of OH, parents-in-law Reverend Russell and Betty Varner of OH, preceded in death by parents Frank and Betty Mitchell of Alabama, brother Allen Mitchell of Alabama, and beloved daughter Laura Hughes of FL.

Frank was a caring, kind, humble, loyal, giving, hard-working, and funny man. He served in the U.S. Navy for 9 years and worked as a defense contractor for most of his life. He achieved the honor of Eagle Scout as a teenager and as such, he was always an extremely hard worker and gave 110% percent in everything he endeavored. He wasn't afraid to take on work others might not want to do with a humble heart and without complaints. He loved helping people and was the first to offer to help in any situation. Once he retired, he dedicated his life to helping disaster victims through his work with Samaritan's Purse and Team Rubicon. He did it with a quiet grace, not expecting accolades or attention.

Frank was a loving and wonderful husband of 44 years to his wife, Debbie, and amazing father to his daughters, Jennifer and Laura. He was fun loving and took his family on various adventures when living overseas, going on vacation, or just in daily life. The family is blessed with so many memories of fun times such as trips to theme parks like Disney, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens, exploring new towns with local attractions, or just playing in the pool. He loved nature, especially the beach; listening to live music, exercising, action movies, and cruising. He was perfectly happy sitting with his dog outside in his yard and just enjoying the beauty of his backyard paradise that he cultivated throughout the years.

Frank had one of the most humble, kind, gentle, and giving spirits and everyone who ever met him was touched by his calm, genuine, and positive personality. Above all, though, Frank was a wonderful and strong example of a Christian man, husband, and father and showed Christ's love to everyone he met. Frank lived an authentic wonderful life, and he touched everyone he met with his genuine smile and generous ways even while battling liver cancer and excruciating pain for a little over 2 months. Jesus' love glowed in him through the pain and he never lost hope in Him. All the nurses at the V.A. hospital during his many stays were so affected by him that they would drop by his room for a visit even if they weren't assigned to him. They said he brightened their day. Like his daughter, Laura, before him, he was one of the best of us, and God has welcomed him to heaven with open arms and has told him "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Frank will be sorely missed by his family and friends who anxiously wait for the day they will be reunited with him.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at FishHawk Fellowship Church, 15326 FishHawk Blvd. from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with reception to follow. There will be a private interment at a later date. Donations can be made to Samaritan's Purse.