2
trees
planted in memory of Fred Allen Shells
Obituary for Fred Allen Shells
Mr. Fred Allen Shells was born in Burtsell, Arkansas, on December 22, 1943, to the late Frezell Shells and Valree Smith. His sister, Sheila Shells, preceded him in death. Fred divided his childhood between Gurdon, Arkansas and Chicago, Illinois and was raised by his mother and his doting, loving grandmother, Ella Barlow, who also preceded him in death. Fred’s wife of 44 years, Geneva Scott Shells, also preceded him in death.
Fred accepted Christ as a child at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Gurdon, Arkansas. He grew up in the church and would continue to serve in the church for his entire life. Fred served faithfully in several capacities as a Trustee, Finance Committee member, Finance Committee chairman, Deacon and Deacon Board chairman at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. Fred joined Second Baptist Church in Little Rock prior to relocating to Georgia.
Fred graduated from Crane High School in Chicago, Illinois in 1963. He enrolled in Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College (currently the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff) in the fall of 1963, where he studied biology. In the fall of 1964 he met Geneva Scott of Moro, Arkansas, who he married in 1966. After returning to school, he graduated with a B.A. degree in 1970. While at AM & N, Fred formed a close bond with the brothers of the Royal Knights Society, a service organization of which he remained an active member until he fell ill. Fred was also a member of Prince Hall #33 Trinity Lodge in Little Rock, Arkansas and was a Shriner and member of Mohammed Temple #34.
Fred served as the first, black state-certified Fisheries Biologist for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. As a freshwater fish specialist, Fred was responsible for maintaining public and private lakes, rivers and streams. Central Arkansas was the last district he maintained until his retirement in 1998 after 25 years of service.
Fred pursued a second career in real estate and was passionate about educating first-time home buyers and promoting home ownership in the black community. After earning his real estate license, he worked as an agent with the Filmore Thomas Agency until opening his own office, F&G Realty Company, in 1980. He eventually became a real estate broker, earned his residential appraisal license and was an active member and officer of the Arkansas Association of Realtist, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers and the Arkansas Realtors Association.
Fred was a huge fan of boxing, football and basketball. He immensely enjoyed watching the Pine Bluff Golden Lions and Arkansas Razorback football teams. He loved duck and quail hunting and could be found hunting whenever time permitted. Though he was a reserved man, he told the best stories and had a witty, sharp sense of humor.
Fred peacefully departed this life on Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
Fred’s memory and life lessons will be cherished by his son, Byron Scott Shells (Alicea) and daughter, Erica Shells Mayes. He also leaves behind four granddaughters, Kamille Mayes, Alexandria Shells, Yazmeen Mayes and Payton Shells. Fred is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and one brother-in-law, Rev. Ollie B. Scott (Florence).
A celebration of his life will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, July 9, 2022 at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, 1701 State Street in Little Rock, AR. Visitation will be held 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Friday, July 8, 2022 at the funeral home. Interment Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas.
Services entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, 8821 Colonel Glenn, Little Rock, AR. "IN YOUR TIME OF NEED...WE CARE."
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Fred accepted Christ as a child at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Gurdon, Arkansas. He grew up in the church and would continue to serve in the church for his entire life. Fred served faithfully in several capacities as a Trustee, Finance Committee member, Finance Committee chairman, Deacon and Deacon Board chairman at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. Fred joined Second Baptist Church in Little Rock prior to relocating to Georgia.
Fred graduated from Crane High School in Chicago, Illinois in 1963. He enrolled in Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College (currently the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff) in the fall of 1963, where he studied biology. In the fall of 1964 he met Geneva Scott of Moro, Arkansas, who he married in 1966. After returning to school, he graduated with a B.A. degree in 1970. While at AM & N, Fred formed a close bond with the brothers of the Royal Knights Society, a service organization of which he remained an active member until he fell ill. Fred was also a member of Prince Hall #33 Trinity Lodge in Little Rock, Arkansas and was a Shriner and member of Mohammed Temple #34.
Fred served as the first, black state-certified Fisheries Biologist for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. As a freshwater fish specialist, Fred was responsible for maintaining public and private lakes, rivers and streams. Central Arkansas was the last district he maintained until his retirement in 1998 after 25 years of service.
Fred pursued a second career in real estate and was passionate about educating first-time home buyers and promoting home ownership in the black community. After earning his real estate license, he worked as an agent with the Filmore Thomas Agency until opening his own office, F&G Realty Company, in 1980. He eventually became a real estate broker, earned his residential appraisal license and was an active member and officer of the Arkansas Association of Realtist, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers and the Arkansas Realtors Association.
Fred was a huge fan of boxing, football and basketball. He immensely enjoyed watching the Pine Bluff Golden Lions and Arkansas Razorback football teams. He loved duck and quail hunting and could be found hunting whenever time permitted. Though he was a reserved man, he told the best stories and had a witty, sharp sense of humor.
Fred peacefully departed this life on Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
Fred’s memory and life lessons will be cherished by his son, Byron Scott Shells (Alicea) and daughter, Erica Shells Mayes. He also leaves behind four granddaughters, Kamille Mayes, Alexandria Shells, Yazmeen Mayes and Payton Shells. Fred is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and one brother-in-law, Rev. Ollie B. Scott (Florence).
A celebration of his life will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, July 9, 2022 at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, 1701 State Street in Little Rock, AR. Visitation will be held 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Friday, July 8, 2022 at the funeral home. Interment Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas.
Services entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, 8821 Colonel Glenn, Little Rock, AR. "IN YOUR TIME OF NEED...WE CARE."
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