Florence, SC William "Billy" Thomas Mitchell, III, 70 of Florence, passed away on Monday April 21, 2014 at his residence after an illness. Billy was born in Florence, a son of the late Emma Belle Berry and William T. Mitchell, Jr. He attended the University of SC and graduated from Florence-Darlington Technical College with degree in Civil Engineering Technology. Billy served in the USMC from 1966-1972 and having served during Vietnam 1967-68 in the Infantry as a machine gun team leader and Battalion S-2 Scout. Billy was a veteran of the Siege of Khe Sanh, 3rd platoon G Co,2nd Bn,26th Marines. He was also a major contributor to the Vietnam book "Into the DMZ" written by a friend with whom he served with in Vietnam. Billy also contributed to the following books on Vietnam: "Marine", "Battalion of Kings", "Valley of Decision-The Siege of Khe Sanh", and "The Final Formation". He retired from the S.C. State Guard as a Colonel on June 1, 2013, having served 28 years and 8 months. He was also very active in the Marine Corps League Detachment 410 and a charter member of College Park Baptist Church. Some of his hobbies included: Family history research, USMC military history (especially Vietnam), and University of South Carolina Gamecock football, where he was a 42 year Gamecock Club member. Billy was survived by a brother, David Allen Mitchell, who passed away just three days after him. Surviving are numerous cousins and extended family members. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Florence Memorial Gardens Cemetery directed by Cain Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to College Park Baptist Church, 1501 Third Loop Rd., Florence SC 29505 or to the Marine Corps League Detachment 410, PO Box 13345, Florence, SC 29504 or to Pee Dee Area Veteran's Honor Guard, PO Box 21117, Florence, SC 29501.