Larry Allen Shell

Larry Allen Shell of Centerton, Ark., age 70, passed away peacefully at Circle of Life Hospice on Oct. 21, 2013, after a brief illness. He was born Aug. 25, 1943, in Bentonville to Frank Shell and Naomi (Burch) Shell McCurdy. Larry graduated from Bentonville High School in 1961 and the University of Arkansas with a B.S. business administration degree in 1965. He was a member of the Beta Alpha Psi National Accounting Fraternity. Larry married Joy (Womack) in March of 1985. He retired after 23 years from Willis Shaw Express in Elm Springs where he worked as an accountant and controller, and later shared in ownership as vice-president of finance. Larry enjoyed restoring, showing and caring for a variety of cars; his favorite being 1964 and 1966 Oldsmobile 442s. This past July, he celebrated 35 consecutive years in attendance at the National Oldsmobile Club of America annual car show. Larry and Joy made many special memories traveling throughout the country, regularly visiting the Hawaiian Islands, and enjoying their natural surroundings in Centerton, Ark., and Eureka Springs, Ark., where they maintained a second home and had many family gatherings. He was a private peaceful man who enjoyed music and reading historical accounts of people, places and events. His unique sense of humor always gave smiles and laughter to his loved ones and will be greatly missed. Larry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Joy (Womack) Shell of the home; daughter, Brandee (Shell) Santos and son-in-law, Kanani, of Kauai, Hawaii; Natalie (Huber) George, daughter through marriage, of Centerton, Ark.; grandchildren, Sarah, Kaimi, and Julia Santos of Kauai, Hawaii; granddaughter through marriage, Erika George of Centeron, Ark.; sister, Joyce Pruitt of Rogers, Ark.; brother, Wayne Shell of Bentonville, Ark.; father- and mother-in-law, James and Helen Womack of Bentonville, Ark.; first wife and mother of Brandee, Sherry Coffee of Tulsa, Okla.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Graveside services will be held Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, at 2 p.m. in the Bentonville Cemetery, with Pastor Mark Schatzman officiating. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at Circle of Life Hospice Home at Legacy Village, 1201 N.E. Legacy Parkway, Bentonville, AR 72712. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3800 W. Walnut, Rogers.