Raymond Joe Mizell, affectionately known as “Joe,” touched many lives in Baton Rouge and beyond. His passing on January 8, 2026, leaves a lasting legacy of service and faith that continues to inspire his community. Born on December 1, 1936, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Joe was the son of Elvis and Connie Mizell and one of four siblings. His four years of service in the United States Army during the Korean War demonstrated his deep sense of duty, inspiring admiration and respect among those who knew him. Upon returning home, Joe began a distinguished career as a firefighter with the Baton Rouge Fire Department. Over twenty-eight years, he served his community with unwavering dedication until his retirement in 1987. The bonds of those years were lifelong. As he often said, “Firemen don’t just work together—they become your forever family.” That sentiment was evident in his final days, as the men he had worked alongside remained faithfully at his bedside. On September 20, 1957, Joe married the love of his life, Faye Evelyn Smith, and together they built a family that was his most significant source of joy. Their children, Ronald Joseph Mizell and Nancy Mizell Fileccia, carried forward his legacy of love and dedication. Though Joe experienced the profound loss of his son, Ronnie, in 2022 to cancer, he found comfort in the enduring presence of Tanya Mizell Burris—Ronnie’s widow—who remained a devoted daughter-in-law and caregiver to both Joe and Faye. Joe’s legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Brandy Mizell Pendergrass (Nathan), Richard Jeremy Mizell (Tonya), Brittany Stanga (Adam), Lindsey Fileccia Austin (Jude), Lauren Fileccia Crosslin (Daniel), Cameron Fileccia (Mackenzie), and the late Candace Kate Fileccia, who passed away in 2009. Known lovingly as “Paw-Paw Joe,” he delighted in spending time with his many great-grandchildren: Mia Barbara Pendergrass, Kaylee Pendergrass, Madeline Grace Mizell Magee, Ryan Joseph Mizell, Rhett Jeremy Mizell, Patricia Cotton, John Marshall, Francesca Marshall, Richard Mizell Jr., River James Mizell, Sophia Claire Stanga, Colette Paige Stanga, Damian Jabari Austin, Kai Asher Crosslin, Hudson Cotton, and Lainey Cotton. His homestead was a place of adventure and joy for them—filled with memories of hunting trips, four-wheeler rides through the woods, and helping to pick blueberries and fruit planted around the homestead. Joe’s passion for hunting was more than a pastime—it was a cherished family tradition. Sitting in his beloved hunting camp, he enjoyed many years with family and friends. These moments fostered a sense of continuity and love that will be remembered by all who shared them with him. A man of deep faith and conviction, Joe was an active member of Sandy Creek Baptist Church for over 28 years. His service as a deacon and Sunday School leader reflected his commitment to community, inspiring gratitude among those he touched. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Elvis and Connie Mizell; several siblings; his son, Ronald Joseph Mizell; and his granddaughter, Candace Kate Fileccia. He is survived by his devoted wife, Faye, and daughter, Nancy Mizell Fileccia; numerous nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Joe’s life was a testament to faithfulness—to God, to family, to country, and to community. Celebrating his legacy can inspire all who knew him and bring comfort to those who mourn.

A two-hour visitation for family and friends will be held on January 10, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 02:30 PM at Charlet Funeral Home, Inc. 4230 High Street, Zachary. A graveside service for family and friends will follow at Sandy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.