Harold Wayne “Skip” Mitchell, Jr., a former guitarist for The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away on December 28, 2020, at the age of 65. He was a member of the group from 1976 to 1986, contributing to their distinctive sound during that period. In addition to his role as a guitarist, Skip later worked as a staff engineer and audio mixer, further showcasing his dedication to the music industry.
The Oak Ridge Boys shared the news of his passing on social media, expressing their sorrow and offering condolences to his family. They posted a vintage photo of the band, captioned, “Very sad news today. Our friend and longtime guitarist Skip Mitchell has passed away. Our prayers are with his family.” Skip’s tenure with the group was marked by several accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards.
Born and raised in Tennessee, Skip Mitchell spent much of his life there, contributing to the local music scene. He passed away in Hendersonville, Tennessee. In lieu of a public service, his family requested that donations be made in his name to Music Health Alliance, an organization that assists musicians with medical bills and other services.
Skip Mitchell’s contributions to The Oak Ridge Boys and the broader music community have left a lasting impact, and he is remembered fondly by those who knew him and worked with him.