In Loving Memory of Mack Mitchell

Joe Mack Mitchell

August 29, 1944 – January 31, 2022

Lived 77 years

Sunset Memorial · Albuquerque, New Mexico

Life story

Mack Mitchell, 77, passed away January 31 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mack was born in Plainview, Texas to Kermit and Frances Mitchell who were both teachers.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sara; his son Cory of Portland, Oregon, his children Avery and Preston and their mother Robin of Albuquerque; his daughter Marcy Kennedy of Denver, Colorado and her husband Brian, and their children Finn and Max; his brother Charlie Mitchell of Apache Junction, Arizona, his wife Lauren and their three children; special cousins Paul and Marsha Mitchell, of Cochiti, New Mexico, Paula Jane and John Mayo, of Channing, Texas; and many friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Don.

Mack attended Eastern New Mexico University and graduated in 1966 with a B.S. Degree and in 1967 with a Master's Degree. He began his educational career as an English teacher with the Clovis Municipal School District in 1967, and then Mack moved into administration in 1972 and served as a school based administrator until 1991. During that time, Mack became a Junior High School Assistant Principal, Junior High School Principal, and High School Principal.

In 1991, Mack was appointed to the position of Assistant Superintendent, and by 1992, had been named as Superintendent of the Clovis Municipal School District. He retired from the Clovis School District in 1997.

After retiring from public school administration, Mack became the Executive Director of the New Mexico School Boards' Association for 10 years.

Mack was also involved in many professional organizations. He served as President of the New Mexico Superintendents' Association, and was on the New Mexico Strategic Planning Committee for the New Mexico Education Department. He also served many years as a member of the Legislative Education Study Committee.

Honors for Mack include his selection as the New Mexico Coalition of School Administrators' Hall of Fame inductee for 2002 and being "Bop" to his four grandchildren, Finn, Max, Avery, and Preston.

His retirement included many rounds of golf with his friends, Lobo games, and volunteering at Lovelace Women's Hospital.

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