I’m so saddened to have lost one of my brothers. Tom was always so warm and caring. I loved talking to him and hearing his take on a variety of subjects. He was a Civil War historian, a plumber with my Dad, a fine fisherman, a caring Father and Brother.  Even though time and space have kept us apart lately, you will always be very special in my heart. You were so much like your Mama Dot, who we adored. We were all so fortunate to become family when she married my Dad. Enjoy your time with her, my Dad, and Gary. Please save a seat at the family table in Heaven for me. I’m praying for Betsy, Bruce, your children, grandchildren, and all who will love and miss you. 

Betsy, I am sorry for your loss. I lost my Nancy in September 2019 @50 years minus 3 months of marriage. Thinking of you and your family at this time. Chaplain @ Cornerstone Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC

Prayers for Betsy, Bruce and all the family.  Tom Shell loved his family. And he loved to fish. He never met a stranger. He was a big man with a big heart. He will be missed.

Prayers to Betsy, Bruce and all the family at this sad time.  Tom Shell never met a stranger. He loved his family. He loved to fish. He was a big man with a big heart. 

I knew Tom because My best buddy Jennifer and I grew up on Ferndale in Garner, NC.  I spent a lot of time with the whole family going camping and having sleep overs. Tom was always kind. May He Soar with the Eagles. 


 Tom Shell became my brother when my dad married his mom.Dot. One of three sons he acquired  five sisters and my only brother Dan along with my dad. 
Easy to love and fun to be with Tom Shell became a very special uncle to my three sons. Memories of who can tell the best joke sessions and family celebrations and camping will always warm my heart. 
Tom was a strong mountain of a man yet a gentle giant with a strong character and core beliefs.  He was a proud North Carolinian and was quite knowledgeable of our early history. 
I treasure the relationship and love Tom had with my dad. They worked together daily yet I never heard of disagreements. Sitting at their dining table as they related stories of their work week kept me entertained.
My love for my brother Tom lives on in many sweet memories. 



What can be said and how would one describe? Tom Shell was my father. An amazing father to me and my siblings. He was a man. A man of honor, respect and dignity in the highest degree. He believed in family and was the captain of our vessel. He steered me and my family into some of the most enchanting memories that I will cherish forever as well as to be instilled into my own family. Tom Shell was my hero. Tom Shell was love, strength and power all into one. He was caring, compassionate and bold in his beliefs. You always knew where he stood in his passions and convictions. He was true to himself and knew exactly who he was. He loved deeply and was always there for me. Nothing like having my father, after working hard as a plumber all day, show up at your ball games or football practices to cheer you on. I always wanted to impress and give him a “wow” moment out there. If I impressed him, he would always have a grin on his face and a chuckle followed with a “man boy”.  His laugh and sense of humor was one of a kind. He would invite you into his world with just a laugh. All my friends would enjoy my dad due to his sense of humor and his powerful essence. Constantly pushing us to become better men and wishing we had 10% of the power and strength he had. We were a bunch of wimps next to him. 

Growing up we enjoyed camping, the outdoors, good food, great varieties of music and most of all family. Grandma, Grandpa Bill, Bruce, Cindy, Gary,Michael, April and the Hillstroms all added so many wonderful times and uncountable memories and laughs to mention. I will never forget them and know my father will not. I am my father. I will proudly carry his memories and teachings in my heart and soul forever throughout eternity. I will always love and cherish our times and you are here with me in the highest honor that can be received. I miss you and Nikki and Cassandra will love you and miss you forever. I love you dad



Tom was my stepbrother, and he was loved very much by my Dan and all of his stepsisters. (myself, Lynda, Trisha, Karen, and Marsha).   I do remember his laugh and his love of fishing!  He was a loving man and definitely a son who loved his mama and his family. I will miss his kind heart and I know he’s up there with our dad and Dot rejoicing and hopefully enjoying one of Dot’s incredible meals!!  I’m sure she’s cooking for a crowd!  We love you, Tom. 

Tom Shell was my brother.  We grew up with a love of family, and friendships.  He loved fishing, hunting, and being with family and friends.  He was a principled person with a deep sense of right and wrong.  He was profoundly proud of his heritage and believed strongly in the second amendment.  He was easy to laugh, quick to support and authentic in the values he lived everyday.  You knew where he stood and there was no greater friend if called upon.  Tom was a Plumber by trade, much of which he learned from his step-father Bill Hillstrom.  The two together were a force for quality repair work with the customer always the priority.  They often did repair work without pay in order to help deserving folks.  He loved his children and grand children greatly.   He loved the times they went camping and the fun they had.  My children loved their uncle and the wonderful relationship that we all enjoyed.  He was a wonderful brother-in-law.  My wife Cindy loved him and his love of family.  Tom was devoted to our mother.  He had a great sense of humor with a wonderfully unique laugh we will all miss.  His generous nature over fed all who had the pleasure of eating at his table.  I however, never cared for his squirrel stew. He and Marcy raised Teresa, Jennifer, and David; who grew up to be awesome people who he was very proud of.  Tom lived his life on his terms.  He was truly a free spirit.  If the plumbing issues weren’t pressing, the call of the outdoors could take priority.  Fishing with Tom Shell was a most enjoyable event.  Even as an adult the excitement in his eyes when the fish were biting was a reminder of how exciting life could be.  Oh what a wonderful character he was.  His love of Betsy was sound.  They were a special couple who had the benefit of the last 13 or so years together.  Betsy has unwaveringly  stood by Tom during the difficult past few years.  I am grateful to her.  Tom will be missed.  My heart aches.

OBITUARY

Deaver Thomas "Tom" Shell

August 12, 1950 – July 12, 2020

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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