Steve Elijah Shell

Steve Elijah Shell, 65, of Mount Laurel, formerly Morristown, TN, peacefully entered into eternal rest in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday night, September 22, 2023, after suffering complications during his recovery from an emergency surgery.
On November 1, 1957, Steve was born at the U.S. Naval Base in Millington, TN to Berto and Sarah Shell and spent much of his elementary years in Eastern Kentucky. After moving to Morristown, TN in August of 1969 Steve became very involved in track & field at Morristown High School, even earning a college track scholarship. Unfortunately, an ankle injury prohibited him from using the scholarship to attend college, so he entered the U.S. Navy in October of 1975 with his older brother Richard on the buddy system. He served his country honorably for 6 years as a Fire Control Technician on the USS Chicago and the USS Dale. He enjoyed travelling the world, even becoming a shellback, and was afforded the opportunity to attend the Great Lakes "C" School. He especially enjoyed the opportunity to visit Israel, Egypt and Switzerland, fondly sharing memories from those experiences over the years.
Steve went to work for Raytheon Company in February of 1982 as a Field Engineer working on the AEGIS Program for his entire 41 ½ year career in various capacities within the company. Steve loved working as a field engineer on the fire control and SPY systems at the Production Test Center in Moorestown, NJ. He also enjoyed working on various installs in different locations on the CG and DDG ships, most notably in Honolulu, HI; Everrett, WA; and Norfolk, VA. His mission was to be sure that all systems were in superior order for the sake of the sailors. Training the sailors on the various fire control equipment and ensuring the crews were comfortable with the equipment before he left the ship was his passion. As the Manager of AEGIS Field Engineering, he had the privilege of working with a great group of field engineers and colleagues who he highly regarded. Steve was awarded many letters of commendation for his and the AEGIS teams' efforts from both Raytheon and the U.S. Navy. His vast wealth of knowledge and experience will truly be missed.
During his first few months at Raytheon, Steve met his beloved wife Karen and in February of 1984 they wed, enjoying more than 39 years of marriage together. In June of 1991, Steve and Karen welcomed their only son Trevor and immediately Steve got to work on being more than a mere father, rather a true Dad in every sense of the term. The three would enjoy wonderful times travelling to visit family in Tennessee, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Their most cherished time together was spent each year fishing on Charleston Lake in Ontario, Canada for Northern Pike, Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass and anything else that would jump on their lines.
Steve was an avid reader of the Bible reading it through many times. He loved his Lord Jesus and knew scripture well. He enjoyed listening to Charles Stanley unpack God's word in a practical way; talking to people about the scriptures and life-giving salvation through Jesus; as well as serving his church family as a deacon for many years.
A VOL for life, Steve was a huge University of Tennessee Volunteers fan proudly wearing the orange and white wherever he went, and always enjoying any opportunity he had to watch his boys play in Neyland Stadium. GO VOLS!
Steve was predeceased by his father and mother along with his grandparents, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his wife Karen and son Trevor of Mount Laurel, NJ along with his brother Richard and sister-in-law Sharron of Frederick, MD and brother Timothy and sister-in-law Tiffany of Morristown, TN. He is also survived by his step-mother Margie Shell of Morristown, TN; his nephews Christopher Shell (Elisa), Andrew Shell, Craig Norton, and Christian Norton; his two nieces Sarah Shell and Samantha Shell; his mother-in-law Christel Bertram, sister-in-law Heidi Bertram, and brother-in-law Tim Norton.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 4-8 PM at Grace Bible Church of Mount Laurel, 822 S. Church Street, Mount Laurel, NJ.
A Celebration of Life service for Steve will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11 AM at Grace Bible Church including military honors and a catered reception to follow. A private interment will take place on a future date. Arrangements are in the care of Mount Laurel Home for Funerals.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve's memory to: InTouch Ministries, P.O. Box 7900, Atlanta, GA 30357-9979 or Grace Bible Church of Mount Laurel, 822 S. Church Street, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054.
God has been so very faithful. Steve's family would like to extend their most heartfelt appreciation and deepest gratitude to the many faithful people who lifted Steve up in prayer through his difficult time and who are even now lifting them up in prayer as well. They are grateful to the medical team at Our Lady of Lourdes for their compassion and tireless work in caring for Steve during his stay.