Funeral Service for Mr. Gary Leonard Mitchell will be held December 14,2021 in our Chapel at 12:00 pm., Smith,Dennis Smith Funeral Home, Chapel, and Cremation Services 3047 Campbellton Rd. SW., Atlanta, Ga. 30311. Viewing from 1:00pm to 8:00 pm., Monday December 13, 2021. Service will be live stream beginning at 12:00 pm. Go to: (smithdennissmithfuneralhome, select his obituary. scroll to end of obituary and select link for funeral service). If you missed the livestream service, you will be able to view service 2 days following service. All participants must wear a mask while our Chapel seats 400 which allows for social distancing. For further information, please contact us at 404-349-2400 or smithsmortuary@att.net. “His Story” Gary Lenard Mitchell was born to Hugh and Carolyn Mitchell at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia on March 12, 1965. He was the eldest of their two children. Gary accepted Christ at an early age becoming a member of Red Oak Grove Baptist Church in Greenville, Ga. where he served as an Usher. Gary was educated in Atlanta Public Schools, where he attended Beecher Hills and Southwest High School which later became Benjamin E. Mays High School in Southwest Atlanta. Gary graduated from Mays High with the class of 1983. He continued his education at an HBCU - Clark College where he played football. Gary’s interest for music developed at an early age. His parents purchased his first turntable at age 16. He would later go on to DJ at family/friends’ events and this began his famed career as one of Atlanta’s top DJ’s. In 1996, Gary began working with Kiss 104.1 as their in-house DJ; where he worked in the Promotions Department and finally became an On Air Personality. Over time he hosted “Blue Lights in the Basement House Party” making it the #1 ranked radio show in its time slot. He worked weekend party shows for Kiss 104.1 and hosted Kiss’ annual Flashback Festivals. Gary went on to work for Radio One “Classix 102.9, Atlanta's Classic RnB.” acting as an independent consultant and then becoming an On-Air Personality and hosting another #1 rated radio show “The Classix House Party” for several years. Radio became a part time gig for Gary as he worked hard to build his own business showcasing his talents as a DJ, MC and Public Speaker. Gary worked numerous private events around the city; he soon expanded to several night clubs and businesses throughout Georgia. Gary traveled for clients including but not limited too; 100 Black Men, Tom Joyner’s Foundation/Fantastic Voyage Cruise, and Reach Media. His final achievement was launching a podcast with his cousin, Silas "Si-Man Baby" Alexander, entitled "Cousins with Cancer." The topics discussed included their journey with cancer, individual experiences, cancer care, and patient support systems. In all, his career allowed him to do what he loved to do – entertain the masses. Gary had a heart made of pure gold. He was a fun loving father and grandfather; he was a provider for his family, a devoted son and a generous friend. Gary was known for his humble and jovial spirit, love for music and rocking the party. Gary was a talented, dedicated, driven DJ who mastered his craft which has inspired others. Throughout the years he encouraged, motivated, and supported countless upcoming DJ/Producers. He was deemed a mentor and protégé known for checking in and at times providing equipment when needed. His legacy will always live on and he will forever be missed. Gary is survived by his loving wife Rolanda Mitchell; son, Gary Mitchell Jr.(Rashawn); a granddaughter, Nalani Mitchell; a grandson, Gary Mitchell III; devoted parents, Hugh Mitchell and Carolyn Mitchell; sister, Pamela Mitchell; three nieces, Le’Tosha McCain (Deceased), Daje’ McCain, Jessica Mitchell; several aunts, Eunice Kimbro, Sallie Grier, Martha Smith, Mary Colton and Ruby Turner (Joe); an uncle, Dallas Mosley; brother/best friend, Norris Byrd(Sharon); and a host of cousins and many friends.
Flowers are delivered by the preferred local florist of Smith, Dennis-Smith Funeral Home | Atlanta, GA.
For Customer Service please call: 1-888-610-8262
Flowers are delivered by the preferred local florist of Smith, Dennis-Smith Funeral Home | Atlanta, GA.
For Customer Service please call: 1-888-610-8262
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