Hubert Coleman Mizell's Obituary
Hubert Coleman Mizell, 76, born to Leon and Ann Williams Mizell in Dublin, GA, died March 3, 2016 at his home in Gainesville, FL. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marcy; son Kevin, and sister Linda Hunter of Louisville, KY.
Mr. Mizell moved with his family to Jacksonville where he began his distinguished journalism path as a carrier for the Florida Times-Union before soaring to national prominence as a writer. Known for his acerbic wit, clever quips and insightful columns, he chronicled the rise of Tampa Bay’s big league era for 27 years in his work for the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg Times.
Eight times he was chosen Florida Sports Writer of the Year. He also won numerous awards for his coverage of local, state and international sporting events, including 33 Masters golf tournaments, 10 Olympics and 8 Wimbledon tennis tournaments. In addition, he was a writer for the Gainesville Sun, Associated Press, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Golf Digest. He moved to Gainesville in 2004 where his “Mizell Minute” was featured on TV-20.
Included among the many tributes from sports celebrities was close friend Dave Kindred's: "I always joked that Hubert, a big man, led interference for me in crowded locker rooms. True. The whole truth is, when we arrived, we’d be where the story was."
Memorial Services will be held Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Avenue, with Dr. Dan Johnson officiating. A reception will follow immediately after at the church.
The family wishes to express how pleased they are with the professional and tender care provided by Haven Hospice. In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 9th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606 (www.havenhospice.org)
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