Shell, Jr., Noble Hawkins

Noble Hawkins Shell, Jr., of Narrows was called home by the Lord on Friday, January 4th, 2013. He was the son of the late Noble, Sr. and Margaret Shell of Norton, Virginia. In addition to his parents, Noble was preceded in death by a sister, Louise Shell Addison.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Edna Virginia Shell of Narrows; a son, Robert Shell and wife Brenda of Houston, Texas; a daughter, Diana Shell Phillips of Chicago, Illinois; three stepsons, Richard LaFon and fiancée’ Loretta Morgan of Rich Creek, Lewis L. LaFon of Radford, Randall W. LaFon and Shari Watson Wells of Narrows; 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jean Shell Hall and husband Joe of Geronimo, Oklahoma, and Paula Shell Counts of Hickory, North Carolina; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.

A native of Norton, Virginia, Noble started work at Norton Coal Company, working alongside his dad. He attended the Church of God in Norton. He moved to Giles County in 1962, working at National Gypsum Company as a maintenance foreman. He retired from National Gypsum – A.P. Green Lime Company in 1985. Following his retirement, he worked for Southern Electric Machine Company in Narrows.

Noble was a beloved husband and father. He was a talented man, skilled in designing and building, having built his home and many pieces of furniture throughout. Noble loved the land, planting trees along with his Dad.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael McMahon, the emergency department, and the critical care staff of Carilion Giles Community Hospital in Pearisburg for their dedicated care.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 8th, 2013 at 1 PM at First United Methodist Church in Narrows. Burial will follow in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows Monday from 6 to 8 PM.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church; P.O. Box 398; Narrows, Virginia 24124.

The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.