Henry Hilliard SHELL III

SHELL, Henry Hilliard III, passed away November 15, 2011. Being blessed with a keen wit and a love of people, coupled with innate kindness, Henry had a gift for using humor to put people at ease. These traits endeared him to all who knew him, loved him and sought his company. Stories abound with examples of practical jokes he pulled through the years. Henry Hilliard Shell III was born in 1931 in Bartow, Fla., the first child of the late Henry Hilliard Shell Jr. and Irene Brown Shell. He grew up in Tampa graduating from H.B. Plant High School and the University of Tampa. He was in the insurance and real estate business and also served as a real estate appraiser. Henry was a past member of the Tampa Yacht and County Club, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the University Club and the Merrymakers Club. Like many of his generation who came of age in the fifties, he loved cars, and especially those made in America which were big, powerful and beautiful. He collected those vintage cars and loved going to car shows in Georgia and other southeastern states. The love of his life was his wife, JoAnn Hixon Shell, daughter of the late Tampa mayor. JoAnn predeceased Henry. In addition to his family, he is survived by many friends who loved him and were enriched by his wit, zest for life and friendship. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. January 8, 2012, at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, Tampa. Donations to favorite charities are suggested in lieu of flowers. Henry supported The Children's Home, 10909 Memorial Highway, Tampa, FL 33615 and Tampa Bay History Center, 225 S. Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602.