George Mitchell

Dr. George Key Mitchell was born in Sheridan, Arkansas on June 15, 1931.  He passed away on April 29, 2024.  He was predeceased by his parents Coats A. and Jessie Lee Mitchell and his brother Allan.  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Martha, and his son Adam (Kristie) granddaughters Quinn and Peri Mitchell, son Loyd (Kim) and his sons Loyd Jr, (Jessica), Daniel (Karen), granddaughter Sophia , and Alex,  daughter Lee Ellen Carroll( Chuck) and her sons Andrew (Amanda) grandsons Cooper and Tripp, and Chad Carroll.
 
George was a kind, considerate, intelligent person.  While he might have been the smartest person in the room, you would never know it as George focused on others first, versus himself.  He loved his family dearly.  Arkansas Blue Cross-Blue Shield and its employees held a special place in his heart.  The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra was a source of great pleasure and interest to George.
 
George loved to be on the water, whether it be on a houseboat on Lake Ouachita or at Greers Ferry at the lake house.  The lake house holds so many wonderful special memories of family.  He and Martha truly loved and enjoyed their special marriage.  They loved each other dearly and spent time traveling with each other to hear jazz concerts as well as taking the family on trips.   They had a bond that lasted over 53 years.   George loved living, good music (especially classical), a nice Dewars scotch and water and good company.  He left a big space for all of us.
 
George earned a bachelor's degree in 1952 from Hendrix College, a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in 1952 and his Doctor of Medicine, with honors, from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in 1956.  He was board certified in internal medicine in 1963.   
 
He served in the Arkansas National Guard from 1956- 1963, eventually serving as the company commander in the 125th Medical Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade. 
 
In 1961, George and others formed the Little Rock Diagnostic Clinic.  In 1968, he became the first full time medical director of Arkansas Blue Cross. 
 
George was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Arkansas Blue Cross in 1975 and held this position until his retirement in 1993.  During his time as CEO, Arkansas Blue Cross became the largest health insurer in the state as well as a leading innovator and proponent of healthcare reform. 
 
He served on the board of trustees at Hendrix College from 1981-1993 and was chairman from 1986-1993.  He was named Distinguished Alumus in 1993.  He is a life member of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra board and was inducted in the Business Hall of Fame in 2016.
 
The family would like to thank his caregivers:  Shawnda Washington and her staff, Sherrita Campbell, Tamela Washington, and Demetria Langston.  Memorials can be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. 

Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 PM, Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, Little Rock.  A reception will immediately follow in the Gathering Hall.