Harry Earl Shell

Mr. Harry Earl Shell, 82, of Athens, husband of 49 years to Barbara Ann Pitts Shell, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, at his residence. 

Harry was born in Elberton on April 3, 1941, son of the late Mark Benjamin Shell and Frances Parham Shell. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Elberton and Green Acres Baptist Church of Athens. Following graduation from Elbert County High School, he furthered his education at Berry College in Rome. Harry returned to Elberton where he began a long career in management at Elberton Mills. After the closing of Elberton Mills, he and his wife moved to Athens where he worked as a Manager at Southeast Atlantic Beverage Company until he retired. Harry's passion was sports. He was a great athlete and played for the Blue Devils under Coach Lee Atkinson during his High School years. He also played softball with the Dixie Burger traveling team. He coached community sports for many years in Elbert County. Harry was also a UGA Football fan and never missed cheering on the Dawgs. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and was an avid reader. He loved spending quality time with his grandson Ethan.
Left to cherish his memories, he is survived by Sonya Shell (Karole) of Marietta, Mark Shell (Anisa) of Athens; grandson, Ethan Shell of Athens, brother, Jerry Shell (Martha) of Gainesville, and additional family Estelle Pitts Parham of Augusta, Elaine Shell of Winder, Jan Parham Williams (Stroud) of Birmingham, Julie Shell Leuthard (Rick) of Mesa, Arizona, Jerry Scott Shell of Winder, Barry Witcher, Darrell Witcher of Elberton, and Bruce Parham of Augusta. 
Along with his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Jack Shell.
 Pallbearers will be Ethan Shell, Brantley Witcher, Glenn Williams, Bob Lee, Barry Witcher and Jody Leachman. Honorary Pallbearers will be Darrell Witcher, Cotton Prince, Jerry Scott Shell, Stroud Williams and Bruce Parham.
The family will receive friends on Monday, February 5, from 1:00-1:45p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2:00p.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Adams officiating. Interment will be in Elmhurst Cemetery. 
Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association or to the charity of one's choice. 
Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com. 
Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Harry Earl Shell.