Mike E. Shell

Mike E. Shell, 54, of Duckworth Circle, Morganton, NC, died unexpectedly Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at Grace Hospital. Born in Burke County, NC on June 17, 1951, he was a son of the late Nellis R. Shell and Alvera Nessel Shell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several aunts and uncles. Mike was a long time employee of Burke County Emergency Services. He was a member of Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217 and enjoyed woodworking. Mike was a loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend and was devoted to his beloved pet "Punkin."

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Arndt Shell, of the home, two brothers, Richard Shell and wife, Vickie, and Jim Shell, all of Morganton; two aunts, Marie Haley of Lake Charles, LA, Wilma Denton of Morganton; three nieces, Dawn, Tonya, and Miriam; four nephews, Chris, Mike, Mark, and Andrew; and several great-nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 30, 2005 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Reverends Bill Holland and other special friends officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic rites to be performed by Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of personal choice.