Alvin Acton Mitchell Jr.

Alvin Acton Mitchell Jr.

Alvin Acton Mitchell Jr., 82, passed away on September 28, 2026.

Alvin was born in February 1944 in Littlefield, Texas, to Alvin Acton Mitchell Sr. and Thelma Brown Mitchell. He grew up in Anton, Texas, where his intelligence, competitive spirit, and wide-ranging interests were evident from an early age.

Alvin graduated from Anton High School in just three years. While there, he was active in both band and football and excelled in University Interscholastic League academic competition. Alvin finished as the Texas state runner-up in Number Sense as a junior and returned the following year to win the state championship as a senior.

He went on to attend Abilene Christian College, graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor of Business degree.

Alvin spent much of his professional career in the Abilene area, working for Senter Insurance for over 30 years. Always curious and eager to learn, Alvin taught himself how to use computers at a time when they were becoming increasingly important in the workplace. He later put those self-taught skills to use at WolfePak Software. At age 59, he made a significant career change, becoming a patrol officer with the Carrabelle Police Department in Florida. He ultimately retired and returned to the Big Country in 2016.

Alvin was previously married to Shirley Marcear, with whom he had two children, Kathy and Kevin. In 1985, he married Sheryl Bruno, and they shared 41 years of marriage. Alvin was a natural conversationalist who genuinely enjoyed meeting people. He could strike up a conversation almost anywhere and rarely remained a stranger for long. He enjoyed people, stories, and the opportunity to learn something new from those he met.

He also loved games, particularly dominoes and cards, and especially enjoyed any game that allowed him to put his remarkable memory and mathematical ability to work. Winning may not have been everything, but Alvin certainly preferred it.

Alvin and Sheryl shared a love of travel. Together with their dogs, they traveled throughout the country in their motor home, making memories along the way and enjoying the freedom of seeing new places together. They were members of Oldham Lane Church of Christ in Abilene.

Alvin is survived by his wife, Sheryl Bruno Mitchell; his daughter, Kathy Greer, and her daughter, Samantha McCutchen and husband, Alvin; his son, Kevin Mitchell and wife, DeAnn, and their sons, Adam Mitchell and wife, Ileana, and Cameron Mitchell; his stepson, Ivars Mankovs and wife, Julie, and their sons, Lukas and Keegan Mankovs; his stepson, Janis Mankovs, and his daughter, Gabby Pickard; six great-grandchildren; his sister, Jane Giddens; and his brother, Rodger Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Acton Mitchell Sr. and Thelma Brown Mitchell; his sister, Wanda Baker; his granddaughter, Miranda Meckel, daughter of Kevin and DeAnn; and Sheryl’s son, Howard Behling.

Alvin leaves behind a family who will remember his sharp mind, his gift for conversation, his competitive nature, his love of games and travel, and the many stories accumulated over a life well lived. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched along the way.

A celebration of Alvin’s life will be held Saturday, October 3, serving Alvin’s favorite ice cream at the family home.