Bruce Allen Mitchell

Bruce Allen Mitchell passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, at the age of 71. He was born on Friday, October 29, 1954, in Tifton, Georgia to the late Henry Lawrence and Mary E. Mitchell. Bruce grew up in Metairie, La, and was a current resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

Bruce met the love of his life, Carolyn, while working at Union Carbide. They married in 1985 and raised two sons, instilling in them strong Christian values and a deep appreciation for hard work. After starting their journey in Springfield, Louisiana, they built their forever home in Ponchatoula, completing it in 1991. Bruce dedicated 18 years to Union Carbide as a Machine Specialist, where he was known for his uncanny ability to diagnose an engine’s trouble just by listening to it. A true mechanical artist, he spent many beloved hours tinkering with his favorite toys—his 1977 Ford and 1982 Corvette. More importantly, Bruce used his skills to serve others, often fixing cars for friends and neighbors for free, simply to help.

Bruce was a faithful member of the Woodland Baptist Church for 40 years. Bruce loved his church and his church family. He was kind and compassionate and gave his time and energy to serve his church family in any way that was needed. Bruce loved his country and God and served both well.

Bruce lived for the outdoors and shared that passion deeply with his family. Whether on countless camping and fishing trips, kayaking down rivers, or rafting through the currents, he built a lifetime of cherished memories for those he loved. While he was an avid hunter who particularly enjoyed deer and duck season, Bruce was truly at home on the water. The image of him in his boat, trolling for shrimp across the Gulf and Lake Pontchartrain, is a memory his family will carry forever.

Bruce Mitchell was no stranger to hardship. After a motorcycle accident at age eleven left him in a full-body cast, doctors doubted he would ever walk again—but they didn’t know Bruce. He was back on his feet in no time. Years later, a difficult heart surgery in his thirties severely impacted his health. Though told he wouldn't live to see his sons graduate, Bruce persevered. He saw them both graduate and marry, and he eventually became a proud "Paw Paw" to his amazing grandchildren. Strengthened by his faith, his family, and his devoted angel dog, Breesy, Bruce filled his years with memories no one thought he would have. He embodied determination in the face of adversity, always giving God the credit for his journey.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Carolyn Gibson Mitchell; sons, Shane Allen Mitchell (Jen) and Christopher William Mitchell (Stephanie), grandsons, Christopher William, Jr. "CJ" and Conor Ivan Mitchell; siblings, Tommy Mitchell (M'Liss) and Vickie Long; In-laws, William Gibson (Kathy), Robert Kelliher-Gibson (Margaret), Tommy Gibson (Randy) and Paul Gibson (Jackie).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Lawrence and Mary E Mitchell; brother & sister-in-law, Ed Mitchell (Beth); grandparents, Johnny T. and Wilma Mitchell, Lloyd Leon, Sr. and Josephine Fowler; and In-laws, Harold Long and Neil Gibson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Monday, March 30, 2026 from 9:00 am until services begin at 11:00 am. Services will be conducted by Rev. David Whitehead and Rev. Jacob Gill.

Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens, Hammond, La.