Ralph Leon Mitchell Jr

Ralph Leon Mitchell Jr. was born on November 25, 1951, to Ralph Leon Mitchell Sr. and Verlee Willa Mae Adams. He was the eldest of four children in this union and was affectionately known as Ralphie.

On Sunday, December 22, 2024, during a peaceful night’s sleep, God called Ralphie, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, and man of God, to his heavenly home. His unexpected passing has left a profound void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ralphie accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 9 at Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend David L. Gray. As a youngster, he learned to love the Lord and was actively involved in the church’s youth ministries. As an adult, he became a member of Friendship Baptist Church, where he served under the leadership of Pastor James Allen Terrance. On occasions, he sang with the Male Chorus and continued attending the church until health challenges made it difficult for him to do so.

Ralphie was educated in the Kansas City, Kansas public schools, graduating from Sumner High School in 1970. It was during his high school years that his love for music flourished. As a Sumner Spartan, he played in the school band under the direction of Mr. Leon Brady. His senior year, he had the honor of traveling to New Orleans to march in the prestigious Sugar Bowl Parade.

After graduation, Ralphie enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon returning home, he worked for CertainTeed and later for Jackson County Corrections. During his early career, Ralphie was seriously injured on the job, which eventually led to the development of a brain tumor the size of an egg between his eyes. Despite the challenge, he faced surgery with unwavering faith, trusting in God’s care throughout the process.

Ralphie had many passions that brought him joy. He loved skating, driving cars, traveling, playing video games, watching science fiction movies, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. His “man cave” was filled with Chiefs memorabilia, and even during his hospital stays, he was often seen wrapped in Chiefs blankets and wearing Chiefs gear.

Gifted in many ways, Ralphie shared many of the talents of his father, Ralph Sr. He had beautiful penmanship, he had artistic skills, and, like his dad, had a deep love for music. As a child, he and his dad would sit at the piano together for hours playing jazz. His passion for jazz was embedded in his heart. Eventually, he began to create his own music. Ralphie frequented Kansas City’s vibrant Jazz District and played the keyboard in several local bands, including the Tennis Shoes, The Blues Band, and Non-Chalant, to name a few.

Ralphie’s first love was always Jesus Christ, and his greatest love was his family. He was a devoted father to all of his children and took great pride in being a loving and supportive dad.

Ralphie was preceded in death by his mother, Verlee Willa Mae Adams, and his youngest brother, Gregory Dean Mitchell Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Andrea of the home and his children Antione Murphy (Tyeisha) of Kansas City, Kansas; Shannan Taylor of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Mario Martin, Kansas City, Missouri; Amber Miller (Carl) Kansas City, Missouri; Taylor Mitchell (Breauna) Kansas City Missouri, Marquita Story, Kansas City, Missouri; James Ramsey Jr., Kansas City, Missouri; Arazah Ramsey, Kansas City, Missouri; Lashawn Shelton, Las Vegas; His father Ralph L. Mitchell, Sr. of Lee’s Summit, Mo. His siblings Dwight Mitchell, Kansas City, Kansas and Brenda Kay Harris (Mitchell) Lee’s Summit, MO. Also, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, family members, and friends.

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