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William Shell Obituary
March 2, 1928 - October 28, 2024
William B. Shell, 96, passed away peacefully on October, 28, 2024, in Birmingham, AL.
William B. Shell was born on March 2, 1928, to Jesse Pearl Sarratt Shell and Charles Eugene Shell in Gaffney, SC. William graduated from Gaffney High School in 1945 and Wofford College in 1949. He served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His army tenure was spent as an instructor at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. He earned the Eagle Scout Award in 1945 along with being inducted into Order of the Arrow.
After serving in radio and pharmaceutical sales for eight years William found his true calling in teaching in high school, college and graduate school. He served on fifteen doctoral committees. During all his teaching time he earned a masters and doctoral degrees at Auburn University. Upon retiring William devoted his time to growing and collecting the Japanese Maple. He was a master gardener and received an award from the Maple Society for outstanding service as a teacher and collector of Japanese Maples.
William was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Aston Shell, and sisters Jeanne, Lois, Micki, and Jonne. He is survived by four children, Cindy Bruno (David), Pamela Cheever (Lee), Aria Shell (Rob), and Suzette Shell (Harry); four grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Memories and Condolences
for William Shell
5 Entries
Kenny Tilt
December 4, 2024
I met Shell 20-ish years ago when he was my age now and was in his maple phase of life. I smiled when I first met him and had the same smile whenever I thought of him or got together with him since then. My mother, when she didn´t know how to describe someone, said "He´s a character". Shell was a "character" to me and grew up a few miles from my hometown of Shelby, NC. He made my life better as well as many others that were blessed to enjoy his uniqueness and wit. He was one-of-a-kind in a very good way. Thank you Shell. Kenny Tilt
Leigh W. Nix
December 4, 2024
You are in my heart always. Many wonderful memories between two nerds and seekers. I will never lose the gift of our friendship.
Virginia
December 2, 2024
Even though he wasn´t blood he was still my uncle... I´m sorry sorry for ur loss
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Charlotte Hughes
November 3, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss
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Opelika, AL
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