Charles Franklin "Bucky" Shell

Charles Franklin “Bucky” Shell, of Amelia Court House, born July 27, 1939, died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends, July 10, 2019.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Abbot Weisiger and Oswald Eppes Shell, brother, Randolph Weisiger Shell, and infant twin sons.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jane Bruce Hillsman, daughters, Elizabeth Abbot Shell (Roger Hancock), South Hill, Catherine Shell Chasser (Tom) and grandchildren, Thomas McLeod and Caroline Shell, Maitland, FL. 

Bucky was a native of Blackstone, VA, where he attended Blackstone High School.  He was a proud 1961 graduate of Virginia Tech, B.S. in Business Administration, and Longwood College, Master of Business Administration.  In addition to being in the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech, he was a member of Delta Kappa Sigma fraternity, the swim team, and the Cotillion Club.   Following college, he attended Officer Candidate School, Fort Benning, and served six years as First Lieutenant in the Army National Guard, Fort Pickett.

He began his career in 1963 as a teacher with Amelia County Public Schools and retired in 1997 as Superintendent of Schools.   He was a founding member of the Amelia Jaycees, serving as its first president.  Bucky served as chairman and member of the John Tyler Community College Board of Directors, 2013 Amelia County Christmas Father, and long-time member of the Amelia County Industrial Development Authority.

In his spare time, Bucky enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, hunting, and cheering on his beloved Hokies.  He valued human connections, loved conversations with new acquaintances and old friends, and enjoyed finding out “What’s going on?”.

Visitation is Sunday, July 14th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Hillsman-Hix Funeral Home, 16409 Court St, Amelia, VA.  Graveside service is Monday, July 15th, 11:00 AM, Bethel UMC Cemetery, 6832 Genito Road, Jetersville, VA.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Amelia County Rescue Squad, PO Box 888, Amelia, VA  23002. 

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