Eric T. Mitchell, Sr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Eric T. “Big E”, “E-Dub” Mitchell, Sr., beloved father and devoted family man, who left this world on August 30, 2026, at the age of 53.

He was born on July 2, 1973, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Lou Ann (Kirksey) Mitchell and the late Ernest Lee Mitchell.

Eric was a graduate of East High School and was proud of his high school athletic career, where he excelled on the baseball diamond, basketball court, football field, and in track and field events. Among his best recent memories is playing basketball on Spoons Court with his children, brother, and nephews. Though he couldn’t move them old knees for days after, the joy of sharing that time with his family made every second worth it.

He worked for many years alongside his mother at OEM of Erie, as well as serving as a welder at Riley Stoker prior to its closure.

Eric loved his children and took immense pride in their accomplishments, frequently sharing his pride in his daughter’s career as a nurse and his son’s service in the U.S. Navy. Family and gatherings were the heart of his life. An avid fan of sci-fi movies, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Los Angeles Lakers, Eric was also a skilled handyman with a knack for repairing electronics.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Eddie and Amanda Mitchell, Sr.; his maternal grandparents, Woodie and Lucille Kirksey; uncles, Eddie Mitchell, Jr., Dennis Mitchell, J.L. Kirksey, Johnny Kirksey, and Leroy Chatman; and aunts, Ruby Chatman and Burnett Kirksey.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his beloved partner of 31 years, Kristie Barnes; their children, Eric T. Mitchell Jr. of Honolulu, HI, Alexis Mitchell of Cary, NC, and Arianna Mitchell of Erie; his mother, Lou Ann Mitchell of Erie; his siblings, Terrence Mitchell, Kenneth (Marta) Mitchell Sr., Melissa Mitchell, and Joanna Mitchell all of Erie; his uncles, WC Kirksey of Erie, John L. Kirksey all of Needham, AL and Arthur (Gail) Mitchell of Erie; and his aunts, Jackie Thompson, China (James) Prestage, and Lilie Mae Nicholson, all of Melvin, AL, Ethel Mitchell and Wendy Mitchell both of Erie, and Rosie (Greg) George Sr. of Cleveland; his loving dog, Cooper and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to call at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 West 10th St., on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 10 am until time of service at 12 pm. Burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery, near his late father, Ernest Lee Mitchell.

Eric will be profoundly missed, yet his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched.

May he rest in peace.