Sam Mitchell

Bio

Sam Mitchell was born in Chipley on August 2, 1929 and grew up on a farm raising cattle and pigs. In an interview with the The News-Herald of Panama City in 2000, Mitchell described his life as being “strictly from the outhouse to the state house.“

Mitchell played football, basketball, and baseball at Chipola and went on to play basketball at Livingston University (now the University of West Alabama) with his friend Milton Johnson. He earned his master's degree at George Peabody College.

“Big Sam” began his basketball coaching career at Campbellton High School in 1952-53 with a season record of 24 wins and only two losses. Shortly after he was called to serve in the United States Army. When he returned from military duty, Mitchell established himself at Vernon High School, where he completed an overall career record as a basketball coach of 396-59. As a football coach, Mitchell compiled an impressive record of 113 wins and only 17 losses. He was chosen Florida Coach of the Year in 1957, and in football in 1960-61. Mitchell's basketball team won the state basketball championship in 1957. Mitchell served as principal of Vernon High School from 1967 until 1977.

Mr. Mitchell was first elected to the Florida Legislature in 1956 and served until 1960, all the while coaching and teaching at Vernon. He returned to the Legislature in 1978 and stayed there until he retired in 1994. Mr. Mitchell was chosen as House speaker pro tempore for the 1988-90 cycle.

Mitchell passed away in Dothan on November 15, 2003. He was survived by his wife, Nellie Mitchell and two daughters, Brenda Lovett (and husband Rickey) and Sammie Jean Davidson, both of Chipley.