Thomas Wayne Mitchem

Thomas Wayne Mitchem, 66, of Paragould, passed away in his home of 43 years on Friday, October 20, 2023. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 21, 1957, to the late Horace Mitchem and Lola Bea Medlock Scholl. He graduated from Jonesboro High School. Tom, or "Papa" as he was affectionately known by his daughter and grandchildren, worked at Arkansas Glass Factory as a Burner Technician. He retired after more than 32 years. Tom then worked at Frito Lay for a couple of years before his final retirement. Tom began dating Dana Stonecipher in 1999, and he made her his bride on November 23, 2007. Tom was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he loved to mow his yard. Having grown up in the 60s and 70s, Tom became a music fanatic. His prized possession was his gun collection dating back to the 1800s. Tom liked to watch NFL football. He was a long time Cowboy fan, but he was taking a liking to the Kansas City Chiefs as they had become a family favorite. With all of these interests and passions, none of them compared to his love for his grandchildren. Papa enjoyed every second spent with his grandchildren, Peanut and Nugget. He loved to take them to McDonald's or WalMart, pull them around the yard, or let them climb all over him. He was a manly man who had a super soft spot for these little ones. He will forever be cherished and missed by his loving family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry Lynn Dill, Sr.; niece, Shonda Bowlin; and grandmother who raised him, Ethel Medlock.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Dana Mitchem; daughter, Lacy Jane (Brian) Green of Paragould; granddaughter, Brynn "Peanut" Green; grandson, Gannon "Nugget" Green; sister, Lynda Dill Mitchem; and his loyal four-legged Blue Heeler, Xeno.

Tom's wishes were to not have a funeral, so a small gathering for close friends and family has been scheduled to celebrate Papa's life and spread love to Dana and the family. The gathering to celebrate Tom's life will be held at Lacy's house, 81 Greene 720 Rd, Paragould, AR  72450, on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 6-8:30 PM. 

Thank you all for the kind words and prayers. We appreciate each and every one of them. We love you all.