Thomas Jasper Shell

Thomas J. Shell - passed away suddenly and peacefully on December 2. He had been by his wife Kay’s bedside for the past year since her stroke in October 2010. Tom was born September 28, 1919 in Georgiana, AL. His parents, Thomas Jake and Margaret Eunice, died within a year of each other when Tom was only a teenager. His two older sisters, Elizabeth and Julia, were protective of Tom after their parents’ deaths, and the three siblings remained very close throughout the years. Tom served with the Navy during World War II as a Chief Pharmacist’s Mate and had duty in the Pacific. Upon returning to the states, he met the love of his life, Katherine “Kay” Jones from Putnam, CT. They married while in California and moved to Alabama. Tom had a long career in banking which started with First National Bank of Dothan, and then with Southtrust Bank in Mobile. Tom was an active and devoted member of the Dauphin Way United Methodist Church since moving to Mobile in 1968. Tom was associated with the Kiwanis Club for over 50 years, during which time he served as President and Lt. Governor for several terms and was awarded the “Hixson Award” which is the highest award a member can receive for service to the Kiwanis Club. Tom served 34 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve before retiring as a chief warrant officer. Tom and wife, Kay, moved to Westminster Village in Spanish Fort on September 27, 2001 and quickly made that their new home. Tom became an Ambassador for Westminster through the Marketing committee which included giving testimonials at luncheons and being the representative on the radio station. He was chair of the Vespers program and organized Sunday vesper services for 3 years. He also chaired the New Members Sponsor Committee for 3 years. Tom is survived by his son, Thomas W. Shell, Sr. and daughter-in-law, Pat; daughter, Diane and son-in-law, Greg Lewis of Idaho Falls, ID; grandsons, Ashton Lewis of Springfield, MO, Thomas W. Shell, Jr. of Pensacola, FL, and Jamie Riley of Germany; granddaughters, Kelli Tew of Slocomb, AL and Susan Blackston of Charleston, SC; two great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews. Tom was adored by family and friends and will be forever missed. A memorial service will be held from the chapel at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church in Mobile on Sunday, December 18, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. The family will receive friends in the Gathering Place at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the service hour. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to Dauphin Way United Methodist Church or Westminster Village in Spanish Fort. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.