Melvin Mitchell, one of Black Dallas’ respected entrepreneurs and founder of Mitchell’s Bookkeeping & Tax Service, died Friday December 27, 2024 after a relatively short illness. He was born July 5, 1940 in Dime Box, Texas, the youngest of his parent’s eight children, and moved to Dallas in 1961.
Mitchell earned a mathematics degree from Bishop College in Dallas in 1965 and founded his tax and bookkeeping business in 1969. His office building, at 3730 N. Westmoreland Road, was a familiar landmark in the West Dallas community between Singleton Boulevard and Canada Drive.
The entrepreneur was known for his wide-ranging careers and business involvements. He was a former teacher at Madison High School and Sarah Zumwalt Middle School renamed in honor of Dr. Frederick D. Todd Sr. While studying for his degree at Bishop College, Mitchell’s diverse employment included being a barber, construction worker, carpet-layer and working at a bowling alley. He joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at Bishop and has been a deacon at North Park CME Church in Dallas.
Mitchell and his wife, Bobbie Watkins Mitchell, met while students at Bishop College and were married for 59 years. Mrs. Mitchell was an assistant for her husband at his tax and bookkeeping service. Their business was known for satisfied customer service and served generations of clients from parents and business owners to their children and adult grandchildren.
Mitchell’s hobbies also were wide-ranging. Relatives say he was passionate about restoring old cars, including several Mustangs and trucks. He remodeled houses and did contracting in the tax off-season. He spent enjoyable time on a family farm and was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, whether the team won or lost.
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Mitchell was a mentor and role model to many who sought advice and counsel on business and life issues. He was a Cub Scout and camping leader while his sons were growing up.
The Mitchell’s two accomplished adult sons are Melerick Mitchell, a corporate consultant/trainer, speaker and author, and Raamel Mitchell, a corporate Artificial Intelligence innovator and executive management App developer. Besides his wife and sons, Mitchell’s survivors include two grandchildren, Preston and Hannah Mitchell, and many nieces and nephews, and beloved relatives and friends. Funeral services still are pending through Laurel Land Funeral Home.
