Pleas Shannon Shell, 1900-1993

Pleas Shannon Shell was born July 8, 1900, in Abingdon, Virginia. On July 4, 1919, Pete married Nancy Anne Elizabeth King, a union which was to last 75 years. To this marriage were born two sons, Grandell and James. Educated at Virginia Tech, Pete worked as an electrical engineer before responding to the call of God to enter the ministry. Brother Shell was ordained in the Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1944, and transferred into the Virginia conference of the Methodist Church in 1951. He was given deacon orders in 1956, and was granted full membership in 1961.

Pete's pastorates in the Virginia conference began at the South Halifax Charge in 1951 and included Patrick; Asbury Memorial, Danville; Stanleytown; Whitmell-St. John; Oakland, Danville; Tabernacle, Norfolk; and McGaheysville. Retiring in Roanoke in 1967, Pete continued to serve in retirement Villa Heights, Calvary, and Rockingham Court. For some 32 years, Pete and Nancy carried the good news of Jesus Christ to every appointment they were called to serve. Pete greatly enjoyed his work and sought to be faithful in all matters. On September 19, 1993, he was called to the Church Triumphant. His funeral was conducted September 21, 1993, by the Rev. George Pearson, pastor of Southview United Methodist Church. Pete is survived by his wife, Nancy; and two sons, James and Grandell of Roanoke.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1). Paul's words fit well the life and ministry of Pete Shell.

 

-G. Thomas Brown Jr.