of Batesville, AR
July 6, 1933 - March 19, 2012
Frank H. Shell was born July 6, 1933, in Sage, AR to Harry A. and Myrtle Tomlinson Shell. He died Monday, March 19, in Batesville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Jean Hanley, a brother, Hoyt Shell, and his first wife, Carolyn Southerland Shell.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta, his children Jay (Cathy) of Batesville, Sarah (Jeff) Teague of El Dorado, Joe (Janelle) of Batesville, Susan (Andy) Allison of Topeka, Kansas, Loretta's son Sam Caery (Lora) of Cabot, and sixteen grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Sue Chrisco, and sisters-in-law Margaret Shell, Virginia Henry, and Kay Southerland.
Shell was a natural athlete, and earned scholarships in baseball and basketball at the former Arkansas College (now Lyon) and the former State Teachers' College (now UCA). He played on pennant-winning minor league teams every year throughout the South including the Industrial, Cotton States, Sally (South Atlantic), International, and Mexican Leagues as well as the Southern Association. He collected several championship rings, watches, and MVP awards. He was also selected to play baseball on the elite Black Knights Company team during his service in the Army in Germany, making it to the semi-finals of the European GI World Series.
While playing baseball, Shell sensed a calling to Christian ministry. He earned Master's Degrees from Ouachita Baptist University and the Southwestern Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. He taught and coached baseball at the former Southern Baptist College (now Williams) in Walnut Ridge. He also pastored Southern Baptist churches in Alicia, Walnut Ridge (White Oak and First), and Clinton in Arkansas. He contributed as pastor, associational director, and volunteer for several stints in Montana, including tenures in churches in Missoula, Kalispell, Billings, and Big Timber.
Shell lived out his strong convictions about mission work, and traveled to several countries to share the Good News. From Australia to Zimbabwe, he preached on every inhabited continent. Shell also set the pace with hard work on missions building projects, and had a knack for enlisting friends to participate. He shepherded groups to Colorado, Montana, Indiana, and Wyoming, and completed numerous projects at Williams College, where the baseball field is named for him. From every church he pastored full time, there were members who entered either the mission field or full time ministry. He continued to preach until last year. He was a member of West Baptist in Batesville.
He presided as Chairman of the Board at Williams during several terms. A Kiwanian for almost fifty years, he served as President in many of the towns where he lived, and was always ready to travel for an Interclub meeting. He served on the Board of the Citizens Bank in Walnut Ridge. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a pilot. He was an avid gardener, planting fruit trees, hardwoods, and forsythia at every house he ever owned. He was also an ardent outdoorsman, bagging an eight-point buck by bow as recently as October 2011, for which he received the Nimrod Award. He was known for his energy and enthusiasm, and his keen sense of humor and sharp wit never left him.
Visitation will be 5-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, at Roller Crouch Funeral Home, 510 College Ave. in Batesville.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, at West Baptist Church, 1100 N. Central, with Bro. Adam Hughes officiating.
Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be James Beavers, Roy Dean Dempsey, Jerol Swaim, Eddie Cox, Jim Kilgore, Bobby Davis, Billy Cox, Gary Edwards, and Jim Watkins.
Donations may be made to Williams Baptist College, 60 Fulbright Ave., Walnut Ridge, AR 72476 or Yellowstone Baptist College, 1515 Shiloh Rd. Billings, MT 59106.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bob Walton and Caring Hands Hospice.
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58 Condolence(s)
Sandy Mitts-Chambliss
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Shell family, I was so sad to learn of the death of Mr. Shell.He was one of my instructors when I was a student at what was then Southern Baptist College.We all loved him and he loved us too.He was always availble whenever we needed him.As a teacher myself, I think of him often and am reminded of the lessons he taught us both academically and spiritually. He touched our lives in so many ways.I love the picture of him on the obituary because that is the same smile he welcomed us to his class with and flashed often when he was teaching.Rest in peace Mr. Shell,you have earned it.We will all miss you.
Sandy,Jake,Ashley,and Sydney
Debbie Woods
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
I would like to express our deep and heartfelt sympathy over the loss of your Father and Husband. What a wonderful man of God he was . The service was a great tribute to him and to all he did for everyone. He will be missed by so many. We have been praying for your family and will continue to. Jim and Debbie
Sherry Shell Coffman
Monday, March 26, 2012
Dear Shell's
I'm so sorry for your loss, I pray for you all. Frank was a special man, with a great heart. I'll always remember his visit with Sue to Bakersfield . He was my dad's first cousin.
Mike & Michele Shell
Monday, March 26, 2012
Mike and I are so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Frank and all the family have been in our prayers and we will continue to pray for your healing. We so enjoyed the short times we spent with him... and you, Loretta. We all know where he is now, and that's a peaceful thought. Michele
Gayle Odom
Friday, March 23, 2012
Loretta, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Glenna West Clutts
Friday, March 23, 2012
Your dad was one of the finest men that I have ever known. He and your mom touched my life in a very positive way. They taught me to always want God's will in my life even if it was against my will. I could write a book on the lessons that they taught me.
Joe -you know that my son, Joe Scot,t was named after you.That's how much your family touched my life. My son died when he was 18 of cancer. Can you just imagine the celebrations in heaven right now.
Bill Boozer
Thursday, March 22, 2012
So sorry for your loss, I was out of town, just got back Thursday night, My thoughts and prayers go out to Loretta and the Shell family. God Bless
Paul & Betty Parker
Thursday, March 22, 2012
May our Blessed Lord grant you His peace and comfort in this time of grief and sorrow.
Vickie Burton
Thursday, March 22, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends of this wonderful, generous man. He will be missed, yet God put him on this earth to touch all our hearts and souls and I am so grateful for having known him.
Love always,
Vickie (Tillman) Burton
Dr. Donnie Joe Holden, MD
Thursday, March 22, 2012
A great soldier of the Cross has gone home! He was my first college advisor at Williams Baptist College, one of my first professors, a fellow board member for SBC/WBC, a constant inspiration and friend. His presence will be missed. I and my family (Shauna, Adonia Holden Dunivan, and Shana Holden May) were blessed to have called him friend.
Until, we meet again.
COL. 2:6-10
Donnie Joe Holden, MD
Jerrie Hooper
Thursday, March 22, 2012
You will be missed.
Jimmy Webster
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Loretta, Peggy and I are so sorry about Frankie's death and send sincere sympathy to you and your family. I had many good times with him at ASTC. We enjoyed baseball and being together on the same team. I remember one weekend we got a group of ASTC players to go to the Melborne
Comets but I can't remember if Frankie, Hoyt, Bob and I played on our team or on the Melborne team. Didn't matter--it was fun. I last saw Frankie when we were playing on opposite semi-pro teams in Louisiana. We have talked on the phone several times in the last few years but unfortunately were never able to make connections to visit in person. He is a part of many of my good memories and I am grateful he was a part of my life.
Sincerely, Jimmy Webster
Betty Gale Davis
Thursday, March 22, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
BILL GOODWIN
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Sorry to here about the loss of this wonderfull man. He was Dean of Men when I attended Southern Baptist College in 1966/67(Williams Baptist now). He knew by the end of the first 3 months of schoolwho we were and called us name.Will always remember how nice he was to everyone and how he alwyas had time to visit when he came by the dorm. BLESS YOU ALL FAMILY.
Bill Goodwin
Rebecca Coltrain
Thursday, March 22, 2012
So sorry for your loss.
Michael and Dedra Thompson
Thursday, March 22, 2012
We are so sorry for your great loss. We always enjoyed hearing Pastor Frank preach at West Baptist. He was such an inspiration to all of us. His love for God was so evident in how he lived his life. He will be missed. All of you are in our prayers.
Jerry & Peggy Kelley
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Loretta and the Shell family, our thoughts and prayers will be with you today.
Chester & Sharon Clark
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
We were fortunate to have Frank as interim Pastor First Baptist for about a year and one-half. We learned to love and respect him as a pastor, friend and a very special person. He was always so uplifting and positive. He was a good person and all were blessed who knew him. May God bless you in this time..
Sarah Kinard
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Sarah, Ive been thinking of you all day since reading about the loss of your Dad in the paper this morning. I am so sorry for this tremendous loss in your life. May God give you the peace that only He can.
John & Judye Miles
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
What a great photo of Frank! It captures his love for life completely. The world has lost an amazing man. We who had the privilege of knowing him are better for it. Immediately after meeting him, you just knew you had made a new friend. He became a beloved member of our nutty Buffalo River Bunch as soon as we met him. It was as if we'd always known him & as if he'd always been a part of us. When Frank walked into a room, he filled it completely. Loretta, Sam, Frank's children & grandchildren, you are in our hearts & prayers.
Ronny & Barbara Sweet
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
We were so blessed to have had you as our pastor at Ruddell Hill Baptist Church. And we are now blessed to have your son Joe at RHBC.Prayers for your family!
Jim & Pat Smith
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
So sorry to hear of Brother Frank's passing. Even though we knew his brother Hoyt better, we always enjoyed hearing Brother Frank preach. He always left us with a good message. He will be greatly missed.
Joy Ring
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Jay, Sarah, Joe, and Susan and each of your extended families, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. I knew your Mother from my years as a student at Arkansas College, but I did not meet your Dad until I joined the faculty of SBC now WBC. I lived across the street from you as you were growing up and really count it a blessing to have know both of your parents. Your Dad became my pastor at FBC Walnut Ridge, and later my "boss" during his time as member and then Chairman of the Board at Williams.
Remember all of the good times and events you were able to share with your parents. I have lost both of my parents, but their memories will be with me always..
Joy Ring
Linda Cameron Smith
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Jeff, Sara and family
Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Linda
Charles & Laura Grimes
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Shell Family. We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Bro. Frank. He was a great man of God. We knew him when he lived in Clinton. He was truly a blessing to us. Our prayers are with all of you.
Dick Bernard
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Dear Family..
Frank always made me feel good by just being around him. At those times, I felt that my precense was all that mattered to him. A true blessing on this earth, and now in Heaven. If only I can be half the man Frank was and is, then I will be satisfied.
In my thoughts and prayers
Charles and Robin Covington
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
We were out of state when hearing about Bro. Frank. What a Godly example he was to all who knew him! We considered him a friend that will surely be missed. Our prayers for the family.
Marilyn Diemer Earnheart
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Loretta & family,
What a special man Mr. Frank was & what a legacy he left for his family. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time.
In His love, Marilyn
Ben and Gloria Early
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Frank touched the lives of our son Brice and my wife and I lives. Loaning us his home in Clinton, when Brice got married.
Our paths crossed in Mont. and Walnut Ridge. He was a model to look up and had such a heart for others. He truly had a heart for God and Loved his family and friends very much. He leaves a great legacy.
Loye Beach
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Frank and I were in the same class at Melbourne High. He was one of my best friends and had a very good influence on my life. I look forward to renewing that friendship. We know where he is now.
Janet Hamm Williams
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Grateful for the legacy left by this all-time favorite minister!
David & Shelia Jackson
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
What an amazing man. This small comment box just isn't enough room to express our memories and feelings for Bro. Shell. He will be missed - but what an opportunity we have now to celebrate his legacy and passion for life. I will definitely get the "palm the watermelon" right in heaven one of these days.
You all have our prayers,
David & Shelia Jackson
Louisa Riggs
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
A wonderful man whose smile always brightened my day. Frank always had a hug and a smile for me, and made me feel so much better. May the memories he leaves give the family and friends great comfort.
David Helm
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Hi Loretta sorry to hear about Frank's Death your in my Prayers Loretta
David Helm
Patti Chumley Henson
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Mr. Shell was a wonderful teacher, coach and Christian man. I always enjoyed being around him. God bless your family.
Jerry & Cathy Wilson
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
We are so very saddened to hear of the passing of Frank. Clearly he was a tremendous influence on so many, and the Wilsons were in that mix. Frank is one of the most genuine souls I have ever met and was a kind and considerate man. Jay and Sarah, I am so sorry about your dad, but we rejoice in his homecoming. We love you all.
Greg & Tracy Giles
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I just am amazed at the difference Frank Shell made in the lives of everyone he knew, what an amazing testimony !
The Bible says, in John 15:8 It is my fathers will that you bear much fruit and so prove your selves to be my disciples.
The legacy he has left in the lives of all who knew him, and most of all his children is just amazing evidence and proof of his love for Jesus Christ as he lived it everyday.
I'm very thankful to have known Mr Shell, he has set the bar very high as it should be... a man among men with a incredible sweet nature.
My prayer's when I pray now are thanking the Lord for his witness in Mr Shell, and also for his wife Loretta and his Children, I have NO doubts that they will definitely continue there unwavering devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ !
Greg & Tracy Giles
Amanda Edwards Engelman
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
What a blessing to have known this wonderful man! He brought out the good in people whether you wanted him to or not. To know him was to feel nurtured and cared for - I think he was probably one of the most truly caring and genuine individuals I ever met. He had a special gift of making you feel good about the world just by having a conversation with him.
I can't imagine how wonderful it has been being part of his family - what a blessing for all of you!!! I pray you find peace in your faith and feel the healing hands of our Lord as you endure this tremendous loss. Peace and Prayers to you all.
Nick & Katrina Fudge
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Dear Family,
I grew up hearing stories from my Mom about Frankie and how well he played baseball and what a good friend he was to our family. I'm so thank ful that I got to know him and spend time with him at church. It was a special blessing to have Frank officiate our wedding. Mom would be proud. I was saddened to hear of his passing but I know that he is in Heaven and we will see him again someday.
I have many memories of Frank & Carolyn with the children, bringing them all to FBC and having Jay in the Singles. And recently, getting to know Frank and Loretta and how special you two were together. We are praying for the family and I know you find comfort in knowing he is with the Lord.
Mary Lois Burfield Banks
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Mr. Shell was one of the most laid-back men I knew. He was always so interested in his students. Many times, our class would try to get him off the subject (as most students do), and he would let us, and go right back to teaching. He did not get flustered, but let God's love always shine through. Prayers for his family. He will be missed by many.
Jack Kwok
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Mr. Shell taught me Western Civilization at Southern Baptist College. He served as a great model for Christian leadership and ministry to me and thousands of others. Wilsene and I are praying that his family and friends will receive all of our Heavenly Father's comforting and sustaining grace. May our Lord bless you as you trust Him.
In Him,
Jack Kwok
Debra Gourley
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Miss Loretta and family,
I hope this message goes through. My attempt did not work. We first met Pastor Frank in MT in 1993 when he was teaching at Yellowstone Baptist College. My husband and I had just moved to Billings to begin a campus ministry in the area. Later Pastor Frank served as interim pastor for our church in Billings, Trinity Baptist Church.
I always appreciated his Christian leadership and love and compassion. We kept in touch long after he left MT. We grieved also when he lost Carolyn and rejoiced when the Lord led he and Loretta together after they both lost their first spouse.
Today we grieve again, but we also rejoice that Frank Shell is now living eternally with his Lord.
Debra Gourley
Larry Allgood
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Bro. Frank was a Southern Baptist College when I was there from Fall 1967 - Spring 1968. He was always an inspiration to me and undoubtedly to all that ever came in contact with him. I was glad I got to see him again a few times recently when I visited my home church where he was a member. Frank will be missed by all that knew him, especially his wife.
Christina McCann
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Frank Shell left such a wonderful impact on my life. During a very sad time in my families life he offered love, encouragement and hope. He also was a wonderful husband to my husbands loving Aunt Loretta. He will truly be missed.
Andrea Edwards
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The last time I saw Frank, he was smiling and laughing and telling me the Cardinals were in good hands because our new manager was a former catcher and "everyone knows catchers are the smartest players on the field." I can't picture Frank without seeing that big smile on his face.
My thoughts and prayers are with Loretta and his entire family. I feel blessed to have known this wonderful man.
Love,
Andrea
Bert & Patricia Sporleder
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Frank was a special person who's humor, kindness, and faith made him an extraordinary gentleman.
Our sympathy to all who loved Frank.
Betty Cockrill
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
My prayer for each of you is that God will give you a peace and comfort that only he can provide. I know that there is rejoicing at Bro. Frank's entrance into Heaven.
Jon & Victoria Caery
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Loretta, you & yours are in our prayers. Frank was an extraordinary guy who touch a lot of folks.
Sara Dutrisac
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Keith & Jane Byrd
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Frank was one of my teachers back in the early 70s at Williams (Southern Baptist College then) Baptist College. Our prayers are with the family. He will certainly be missed by much of our state especially in Baptist circles.
Keith Allred
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Coach Shell was a great man. I admired him as my coach and teacher at Williams Baptist. He took the time to invest in young men life beyond sports. I was one of those young men
John and Brenda Bayer
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Joe, Susan, Jay and Sara,
Our hearts ache for you today. Your dad was one of the finest men we have ever known. He was a giant of the faith. He was a mentor to us and he touched our lives in a very profound way as he did everyone who knew him. We are forever blessed!
We pray you can find comfort in knowing that today your dad is strong and whole again and he’s walking on those streets of gold!
We Love You All!
If You Could See Me Now by Don Moen
Our prayers have been answered
I finally arrived
The healing that had been delayed
Is now realized
No one's in a hurry
There's no schedule to keep
We're all enjoying Jesus
Just sitting at His feet
Jay, If you could see me now
I'm walking streets of gold
Sara, If you could see me now
I'm standing tall and whole
Joe, If you could see me now
You'd know I've seen His face
Susan, If you could see me now
You'd know the pain's erased
Oh, you wouldn't want me
to ever leave this place
If only you could see me now
Dave & Kim Ranard
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Big Jay, Stinky Joe and the entire Shell Collection...
We praise the Lord with you knowing your Dad is at rest. What a man of God he was! You are the men you are today in large part because of him. Please know that you and your families are in our prayers.
When We All Get to Heaven - oh what a day of rejoicing that will be...
Edd & Dee Ridings
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
It was a distinct privilege to know Bro. Frank and to serve with him at First Baptist, Clinton and on the mission fields of Montana. I considered him to be one of the greatest influences on my life. I loved him like a brother and will greatly miss him. My heartfelt sorrow to the family. I know he will be truly missed.
Edd & Dee
Guy & Loretta Whitney
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
We are sad for your family during this time, but we know you are celebrating a life well-lived. Frank was so many things to so many people. May God hold you close and provide all of the good memories for your comfort.
Matt and Jolynn Frey
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Joe and family,
Our love and condolences to you all and prayers during this time. Rejoicing that we sorrow not as those who have no hope!
1 Peter 5:10
-Matt and Jolynn
Jeff & Amanda Bannon
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Joe & Jay:
It was an honor having your dad here with us in Indiana. One of my favorite memories; sitting on the front porch of the cabin listening to him talk about his life, wow! Im truly blessed to have that short time with him at deer camp. Blessed beyond measure to call you guys my friends. Praying for you guys as you CELEBRATE the life of an amazing man.
JAB
Gene Tulberg
Monday, March 19, 2012
Frank was a true giant and hero of the faith! I am honored to have known him. I pray for God's blessings of peace and comfort for Loretta and the family.