Johnnie Landon Shell

Johnnie Landon Shell, 75, of Newland, NC went to be with his Lord Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC following a lengthy illness. Born in Burke County, NC on October 9, 1935, he was the son of the late Lester Shell and Marjorie Brackett Shell. Johnnie was a graduate of Crossnore High School and retired from Ethan Allen in 1998. He loved gardening, wood working, and everything that God made. An intelligent and quiet man, he was a very loving and caring person and was loved by all who knew him.Johnnie is survived by his wife, Hazel Conner Shell of the home; a step-daughter, Angela Norville and husband, David Shook, of Valdese, NC; sons, Chris Shell of Washington, DC and James Shell and wife, Rebecca, of Jonas Ridge, NC; a daughter, Angela Baker and husband, Rick, of Mars Hill, NC; grandchildren, Spencer Guffey, Curtis Baker, Alexis Baker, and Molly Shell; a special brother-in-law, John Travis of WI; a special sister-in-law, Hilda Roper of Rutherfordton, NC; and very special friends, Roby Norville and Clara of Glen Alpine.In addition to his parents, Johnnie was preceded in death by a daughter, Joanne Shell, and a sister, Sue Ann Travis.The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at El Bethel Baptist Church with Reverends Ron Cooper and Justin Cunningham officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. At other times the family will be at the residence of Angela Norville and David Shook, Country Meadows Lane, Valdese. Memorial contributions may be made to El Bethel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.