Feb. 15, 1942 – April 14, 2016

KNOXVILLE — Services for Helmer “David” Shell, 74, of Roxie, who died Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Merit Health Natchez, will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Springhill Baptist Church in Knoxville with the Rev. Mike Carraway officiating.

Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of Franklin Funeral Home in Meadville.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the church and from 1 p.m. until service time Saturday.

Mr. Shell was born Feb. 15, 1942, in Franklin County, the son of Aaron and Helen Helmer Shell.

He was the owner and operator of Shell Loggers Inc. for 38 years. He was also a member of Springhill Baptist Church.

Mr. Shell served his country in the U.S. Army in the 82nd Airborne Division. He enjoyed working, fishing and spending time with his family.

Mr. Shell was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Aaron Shell Jr.; and one brother-in-law, William Mullins.

Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Jan Sullivan Shell; one son, Robbie Shell of Gloster; three daughters, Myra Shell Stewart and husband, Chris, of Knoxville, Crystal Shell Porschakin and husband, Jason, and Brianna Garner, all of Roxie; one sister, Jimmy Shell Mullins; one brother, Kermit Shell and wife, Judy; eight grandchildren, Robbi Dawn Shell, Jayme Shell, Rylee Shell, Abbie Shell, Taylor Stewart, Bucky Stewart and wife, Denora, Tristen Porschakin and Shyla Porschakin; two great-grandchildren, Kaylynn Dawn Bridges and Caydence Wayne Stewart; and a number of family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Brad Griffin, Chad Griffin, Billy Norman, David Cameron, Greg Shorts and Ken Shell.

Honorary pallbearer will be C.L. Felton.

The family extends a very special thank you to Dr. Jack Rodriguez and his staff.

Online condolences may be sent to franklinfh.com.