TOMMIE MIZELL

Tommie “Gator” Mizell, 88, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed away May 9, 2013.  He was born on a houseboat at the mouth of Lake Okeechobee on the Kissimmee River on December 18, 1924.  Soon after his birth, his parents traveled by horse and wagon back to the Okefenokee Swamp, Camp Cornelia on the Suwannee River.  He lived most of his early years on the Swamp.  In his early years, he learned hunting and fishing skills from his father and acquired the nickname “Gator” which he is still affectionately known by.  Around 1942, he moved to Brunswick, Georgia where he worked on ships as a ship fitter.  On November 4, 1944, he was drafted by the US Army and was part of the 21 ^st Fighter Squadron during WW II.  His decoration and citations include the Marksman Rifle Ribbon, 2 Overseas Bars, the Army Occupation Ribbon (Japan), the Pacific Campaign Ribbon and the WW II Victory Ribbon.  He was honorably discharged on November 18 1946 and returned to the Okefenokee Swamp.  Shortly after, he walked from Folkston to Fernandina Beach with a mere $100 dollars in his pocket and quickly found employment with Container Corporation of America where he retired from after 40 years in 1987.

He was preceded in death by his parents:  Jack and Nola Mizell; a sister:  Laura Warren; and son:  Frank T. Mizell.  Survivors include his wife Anniebelle Carter Mizell; a son:  Joe Mizell; 2- daughters:  Wanda Sue Howell and Florence Mizell Smiley; 3-sisters:  Jessie Mae Burch, Juanita Mock and Ruth O’Quinn; 6-Grandchildren; 9- Great Grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews

The family will receive friends Saturday May 11 at Shepard Funeral Home from 6-8 PM.  Funeral services will be held Sunday May 12 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Shepard Funeral Home with Rev. R.B. Gaskins officiating.  Burial will follow in Sardis Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com .  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston, Georgia.