William Ross Mitchell

The Honorable William R. Mitchell, 77, of Uvalde passed away on Friday April 10, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. 

 Bill served as Uvalde County Judge, a position he proudly held since 1985. Judge Mitchell was born and raised in Uvalde. After graduating from Uvalde High School, he attended Southwest Texas Junior College, East Texas State University and graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in journalism. Judge Mitchell subsequently enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam era.

Judge Mitchell continued his public service when he returned to Uvalde. In 1973, he was elected to the Uvalde City Council where he served two terms. He further held the office of Uvalde County Justice of the Peace prior to being elected Uvalde County Judge.

Judge Mitchell served as the county's Chief Executive Officer, having broad judicial and administrative powers, including serving as the Presiding Officer of the county's policy-making body, the Commissioners Court. Judge Mitchell governed county government, including providing safety protection, parks, zoning, waste, water and permit regulations, levying and collecting taxes for county and municipal organizations. As Chief Executive, Judge Mitchell authorized and approved the disbursement of all appropriated county funds, operating the system of county roads, administered ordinances enacted by the Commissioners Court, had custody of county property, accepting grants from federal, state, public and private sources, and hired county employees except those persons employed by other elected officials of the county.

Judge Mitchell has held the position of Lt. Governor for the Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International. He has served as a state officer for the American Cancer Society and he is one of only three people ever named as a “Regional Statesman” by the Middle Rio Grande Development Council. He was a member of the board of directors of Middle Rio Grande Development, Community Health Development, Inc. and Uvalde Area Development Foundation. He currently served as a board member of the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool and the Texas Association of Regional Councils.

Judge Mitchell is survived by his wife his wife Katie and two sons, Clayton Kessler and Gatlan Mitchell. They have five grandchildren, Mason Mitchell, Cameron Mitchell, Case Kessler, Bradley Kessler, and Wes Kessler; and two sisters, Anne Mitchell Rawlings and Mollie Mitchell Bell.  

He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jack Mitchell.  

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Uvalde Methodist Church.  

Interment will follow at Rio Frio Cemetery.