Gary Austin Mitchem

In loving Memory of Gary Austin Mitchem

December 17,1943 – November 5, 2026

Blessed Father, Grandfather and Brother, Gary Austin Mitchem passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at St. Joseph Hospice.

Gary was born to Ruthie Gertrude and Norman Richard “Chalkie” Mitchem. On September 24, 1971, he married the love of his life, Sharon Yvonne Edwards. Together, they shared 50 wonderful years of marriage and raised two children, Sean Mitchem and Tanya Clemons.

Gary was a proud United States Marine and Vietnam Veteran. He was a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and retired from Westvaco. Following retirement, he devoted his time to caring for his family, who meant everything to him.

His grandsons, Christopher, Michael, and Samuel, were his pride and joy. They brought him immeasurable happiness, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon; his mother, Gertrude; his father, Norman; and his little brother, George.

He leaves behind his sister, Shirley; brother, Richard (Ella); and sister-in-law Mary and other family members who loved him dearly, along with friends and countless others who were fortunate enough to be considered family.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Family Worship Center, 2800 7th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501 from 11 am until 1 pm. Family and friends are invited to enjoy a meal following the service. He will be interred at Biloxi National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Gary’s memory to a Veterans organization charity of your choosing or plant a tree in his memory.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Gary Austin Mitchem.