GULFPORT — Eugene Owen “Butch” Mitchell Jr., 47, formerly of Greenville, died Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. Graveside services will be held today at 3 p.m. at the Greenville Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Boone Funeral Home in Greenville, which is in charge of arrangements.

Born in Greenville, he grew up playing tennis and cheering for Ole Miss and John Fourcade. He earned his Eagle Scout badge and graduated from Washington School in 1986. After attending Ole Miss, he worked as a teaching tennis pro in Bay Point, Florida.  In 2006, he was awarded the Mississippi Teaching Tennis Pro of the Year, while fostering the growth of the youth and adult tennis programs in Laurel. He loved music, was a fan of Brett Favre and John McEnroe and always will be an Ole Miss Rebel.

He is survived by his wife, Lissa L. Mitchell of Gulfport; parents, Eugene Owen “Sonny” Mitchell Sr. and Shirley Anne Mitchell; sister, Lisa Caradine and husband Scott, nephews Miles and niece Haley.