of Little Rock, AR
October 16, 1930 - August 6, 2019
Robert James "Bob" Shell, 88, passed away August 6, 2019. He was the 1st of 2 sons born to Roscoe and Gladys Shell. Bob graduated from Little Rock High at 16 and joined the Navy at 17.
Bob married Ginny Brooks on April 7, 1973. They have 5 children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Butchie. He is survived by his children, Linda (Mark) Squires, Vicki Doss, Scott, Cathy (Terral) Gammill, and Allison (John) Nelson; grandchildren, Christy, Mandy, Josh, John Mark, Bridgette, Lacey, Robert, Claire, Andi, Emma and Brooklyn; 8 great-grandchildren.
Bob joined The Baldwin Company as a timekeeper in 1950. His work ethic and eagerness to learn the business propelled him up through the company in just about every roll. In July of 1983, he promoted to President of The Baldwin Company and later that year changed the name to Baldwin & Shell Construction Co. He was actively involved in the Association of General Contractors, both locally and nationwide and was selected as a Lifetime Director of AGC, the most highly respected trade organization in the construction industry. He took the company to one of the top 400 construction companies in the country as documented in Engineering News Record. The significance of this achievement is that all the work was performed within the boundaries of the State of Arkansas!
His passion for his community and helping others allowed him to serve on countless boards. He and Ginny developed a love for families dealing with Alzheimers disease and one of his proudest accomplishments is building the Ginny and Bob Shell Alzheimer's Center at Parkway Village. He also served on the board of Alzheimers Arkansas, Centennial Bank, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 50 for the Future, to name a few. His love for Baptist Health allowed him to serve on the Foundation Board for 25 years.
With all of his awards, accomplishments and affiliations, he was most proud of being a husband and father. He made the choice to only take construction work within the state so he could be home every night for dinner and would never miss one of his kids' games or events. His love for travel took he and Ginny all over the world. He was an avid Razorback fan and voracious reader. Also a faithful friend, he and his best friend Jack Ramer had lunch every Thursday for over 50 years!
He accepted Christ at 20 when he went to church with his in-laws. He always said that decision changed his life. He was a devoted believer and he was not shy about making that known. He often began speeches with how the Lord had blessed him and that by tithing his income, the Lord continued to bless him with more. He modeled servant leadership and was humble and kind to all he came in contact with.
A Memorial Service celebrating Bob's life will be held at 3:30, Friday, August 9, 2019 at Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford, with a reception following. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 8 from 5-7 at Roller Chenal Funeral Home. A private family burial will be held earlier.
Memorials may be made in Bob's name to Immanuel Baptist Church, Alzheimers Arkansas or World Services for the Blind.
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17 Condolence(s)
Jeff Watson
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Shell family. Mr Shell was a first rate person, very kind. I liked him very much. Requiescat in pace.
Sam Cummings
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Sending prayers to the Shell family and the hope that our Lord brings. Bob has always been one of my heroes. As a man of high principles he was a leader, visionary and just a kind person. May the family find peace.
Janet Williams
Friday, August 9, 2019
A wonderful legacy! So grateful for the generosity and shining examples of Bob and Ginny!
Tony & Jenny Hopkins
Friday, August 9, 2019
We want to send our condolences to Ginny and Mr. Shell's family, his friends, and the Baldwin & Shell family. I worked for Mr. Shell for about 4 years, and his character shined throughout the company. We will miss him until we rejoice with him in heaven.
Barry and Jo Chandler
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Our prayers for the family.
Debby Spradlin
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Bob will be missed by so many. His kindness and caring for others blessed so many lives.
Alan & Miki Rogers
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Our deepest sympathies go to the extended Shell families. Bob was a tremendous mentor in more than just construction. Rest in piece sir.
Libbie Dougan
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Miss Jenny, et al, Please accept my sincerest condolences. Mr. Shell was an ace of a man. I am asking The Holy Spirit, to pour His peace and contentment, comfort and joy, down over you all, like warm honey. Libbie Dougan. Phil. 4:13
Representative Reginald Murdock
Thursday, August 8, 2019
David Dodge
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss. In honor of Mr. Robert Shell, Paramount Metal Systems has made a donation to Alzheimer’s Arkansas.
Tim Benton and John Davis
Thursday, August 8, 2019
We loved and respected Bob. He has touched our lives by seeing his strong faith and commitment to everything he believed in. What an example of a great man.
DEBORAHADKINS
Thursday, August 8, 2019
GINNY LINDA VICKI CATHY SCOTT ALLISON WE ARE SEW SORRY
TO HEAR YOUR LOSS BOB COACHED MY BROTHER BRYAN ADKINS IN YMCA FOOTBALL LOVE DEBORAH CHUCK DUFF & BRYAN ADKINS & FAMILY
Derenda Hill
Thursday, August 8, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I met Mr. Shell during our Alzheimer's Walks and he was so kind to everyone there and was such a great supporter and spokesman for them. May God wrap his arms around you and
carry you thru this.
Jim and Carolyn Manning
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Dear Ginny, Cathy and Family,
We are deeply saddened to learn of Bob's passing. He was such a gracious man and it was an honor and a pleasure to have known him. He will be missed by many. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Jim and Carolyn
John Casey
Thursday, August 8, 2019
I worked for Bob for 15 years. I’ve missed him every day since I left. He has had a huge impact on my life. I’m sad to see him gone, but he is home now. Shell Family, I love you and will never forget you.
Carolyn Torrence
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Joe Carter
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
We have lost one of the best men I have known. He was a mentor of mine and I so respect his approach to life and business. I wish our paths had crossed more than they did.
My heart aches for his family and the hole he leaves behind. My prayers and love are with the Shell family in this terribly difficult time.