Wilmer Hall Mitchell, 92, of Pensacola, FL, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born at Sacred Heart Hospital on April 7, 1933, Wilmer lived a full life defined by his love for family, community, and the city he proudly called home.

Wilmer graduated from Pensacola High School in 1951, where he played on the state championship basketball team. He then attended Pensacola Junior College on a basketball scholarship. Wilmer earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 1955 and completed his law degree from the University of Florida in 1958. While in Gainesville, he was a proud brother and True Gentleman of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (ΦΑ). In all kinds of weather, Wilmer was a lifelong Florida Gator fan, who carried his love for the orange and blue through every season, cheering passionately and faithfully for his beloved Gators.

After law school, Wilmer returned home to Pensacola, beginning a long and successful legal career. He took great pride in being a lawyer in his hometown, representing clients with fairness, integrity, and a deep respect for the legal profession. His distinguished career included admissions to the U.S. District Court (1958), U.S. Court of Appeals (1964, 1981), and the U.S. Supreme Court (1978). He also served as President of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association.

Wilmer met entrepreneur Bob Snow in 1967, providing him with the legal expertise needed to found Rosie O’Grady’s, which became one of Pensacola’s most iconic landmarks, Seville Quarter. In 1988, the Mitchell family purchased Seville Quarter with Wilmer serving as Chairman of the Board of Rosie O’Grady’s, Inc. Together with his wife Neddy and his children, they have proudly upheld the traditions of the Seville Quarter Good Time Gang, creating a vibrant hub within Downtown Pensacola’s dining and entertainment district.

Wilmer was actively involved in the Pensacola community contributing his time and talents to many causes and never missing an opportunity to engage in friendly competition. A member of the Pensacola Country Club for 64 years, Wilmer was a two-time Men’s Golf Champion (1966, 1968) and Men’s Tennis Champion (1975). Among his many honors were March of Dimes Man of the Year (1967); Pensacola Sports Association Sportsman of the Year (1971); Pensacola Sports Association Hall of Fame (1984); Pensacola High School Hall of Fame; Pensacola Heritage Foundation Hall of Fame; and Northwest Florida Gator Club Hall of Fame. In the 1970s, he served on the Pensacola Open PGA Golf Tournament Committee. But perhaps his greatest contribution to the game of golf, that he loved so much, was his tirelessly serving 25 years as the General Chairman of the American Amateur Classic Golf Tournament. 

Wilmer’s family will remember him for his wit, loyalty, and unwavering pride in Pensacola, the city he helped shape, preserve, and celebrate. Whether holding court on the golf course, cheering on the Gators at Seville Quarter, or sharing long-winded stories that made everyone laugh, he lived with purpose and joy. His legacy will live on in the laughter of his family, the friendships he built, and the community he loved so deeply.

He is survived by his loving wife, Edna Slauson Mitchell and seven children: Jack Williams (Kelly), Louise Williams Carlson (Bill), Doug Mitchell (Leigh), Scott Mitchell (Emily), Buck Mitchell (Jennifer), Clifton Mitchell (Candace), and Brian Kinzig (Mamie), along with 19 beloved grandchildren who adored their “Papa Wilmer.”

He is also survived by his two beloved nieces, Patty Scott Lowrey (Jack) and Sarah Scott Ellyson (Scott) as well as the mother of his children, Lee Raby Hual.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Buxton Mitchell and Jessie Hall Mitchell; his brother, Charles Buxton Mitchell, Jr.; sister, Jane Mitchell Scott and her husband, Laurence Clyde Scott, who was his lifelong best friend.

A family and friends graveside service will be held at St. John’s Cemetery on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 12:00 pm, followed by a celebration of life at Seville Quarter.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pensacola Historical Society in his memory.  

Honorary Pallbearers: Downing Gray, Jerry Browder, Larry Oberhausen, Lou Ray, Doug Bradt, Jerry Pate, Gene McCutchin, Bobby Likis, Tom Condon, Bill Woodbury.

The family would like to thank Becky Yonge for her unwavering support and friendship; Melvin Bargainer, Ivon Brooks, and Emma Bankhead for their devotion and caregiving in Wilmer’s final year; and the staff at Summer Vista for providing a warm and loving environment.