Obituary
On Sunday October 6, 2019, John Douglas Mizell passed away at the age of 75. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
John was born at home on Sunday October 31, 1943 in West Monroe, Louisiana to Alvin Byrum Mizell and Thelma Forrest Fuller. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard Mizell, nephew Mark Mizell, niece Naomi (Dara) Mizell and beloved granddaughter Leah Ruth Watson.
In 1966 he married the love of his life, Linda Bruce Arington of Hot Springs, Arkansas. They had two daughters: Shanna Quinn (husband John) and Erica Watson (husband Tim). He is survived by his wife, daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren (Timothy Sean Watson, Grace Elizabeth Watson, Faith Isabella Watson and Ethan Douglas Watson); sisters Rebekah (Mizell) Perkins Bell and Sue Zan Mizell; nephews Kevin Perkins, Douglas Mizell (wife Mariuxi) and Jerry Dara; great nephew Douglas Mizell; great niece Dara Mizell and adopted granddaughter Brigette Migner.
“Mr. Dependable” loved his family deeply and enjoyed most of all his role as “Baba” to his grandchildren (which included the neighborhood kids to whom he was known as professional popsicle passer-outer). He was a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan and loyal friend to many and was renowned for his legendary letters and emails which in Biblical times would’ve been referred to as “Epistles”. After all, his name is John! His penchant for digging up trivia to stump others would occasionally cost him a little cash or a Dairy Queen gift card. He always paid his debts! This lover of Gospel & Bluegrass music each year faithfully attended these festivals at Silver Dollar City. He was dedicated to supporting church missions around the world, as well.
John earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Master’s degree in Education & his Sixth Year Specialist’s degree, all of which served him well. He retired early from Illinois as a school superintendent, but also worked as a math teacher, school bus driver and basketball coach; sometimes all at once. Upon his retirement, he traveled the world. He walked on the Great Wall of China, cruised through the Panama Canal, across the Atlantic ocean to Europe & around Cape Horn whilst passing by Antarctica.
John means “God is Gracious”. This man was indeed gracious during his 8 year battle with illness & cancer, never complaining and always pressing onward to the goal, which he won in the end upon his arrival into Heaven when he heard those words, “Well done, thou good & faithful servant.”
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