Truss Shell
Obituary
Avis Truss Shell of Jay, Florida passed away on June 22, 2023, at the age of 91. He was born in Jay, Florida on March 21, 1932. He spent his entire life in Jay and was an influential pillar of the community. Truss was the principal of Jay Elementary School for over 20 years and touched the lives of many children, teachers, and parents. He was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, and loved his family with all his heart. He married Audrey Rowland on September 27, 1952 and they raised three children together. He loved his wife unconditionally, spending over 70 years together sharing countless memories with each other and family. In their later years, he was always attentive to her needs even at the age of 91.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Loyd Shell and Fannie (Hall) Shell: Two brothers: Huston Shell and Billy Shell: One brother-in-law: Mallory Cooley.
Truss is survived by his wife Audrey (Rowland) Shell of Jay, FL; Three sons: Kenny (Gwen) Shell of Houston, TX, Robby (Jane) Shell of Milton, FL, Stephen (Kim) Shell of Pace, FL; Two sisters: Luellen Cooley of Jay, FL, Gail Davis of Pensacola, FL; Two sister-in-laws, Gwendolyn Shell of Jay, FL, Marguerite Shell of Brewton, AL; One brother-in-law: Thomas (Debra) Rowland of Jay, FL; Eight grandchildren: Jason Shell, Logan Shell, Kennedy (Tyler) Lovett, Ashton (Launa) Shell, Kellison Shell, Chance Shell, Chase (Sarah) Shell, and Bennett Shell; Three great grandchildren: Jordan Shell, Krew Smith, Baker Lovett; One great great grandchild: Wiley Shell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
An important aspect of his life was his dedication to his faith. Truss was a Member, Deacon, Sunday School Director, and Cemetery Director of Pine Level Baptist Church for over 60 years. He spent countless hours picking up children for vacation bible school, he was always there to lend a helping hand for those in need in the church community, and always singing in church (even if it was off key).
Sports was also an important part of his life. In his early years, he was a successful coach at Jay High School, and a life-long supporter of the Royals. In fact, he was adamant about attending the last home baseball game this year even in poor health. Later in life, Truss (Papaw) enjoyed coaching his children as they were growing up playing baseball, basketball, and football. After coaching and watching his own sons, he became an avid spectator attending thousands of ball games watching his grandsons and great grandson play and his granddaughters cheer. He traveled thousands of miles, rarely missing a game and was always their biggest fan.
He also was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting for turkey, squirrel, and deer and fishing for brim. He mostly enjoyed taking his children, grandchildren, and great grand children with him on the boat and into the woods. He was also known for his famous “squirrel stew” which has a legendary reputation with the people who knew him.
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at The Pine Level Baptist Church at 4:00 PM with Pastor Chad Diamond officiating. Public viewing from 3:00 until 4:00 PM.
Burial will follow at Pine Level Baptist Church Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 , At Jay Funeral Chapel from 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Pallbearers are Jason Shell, Logan Shell, Jordan Shell, Kennedy Lovett, Ashton Shell, Kellison Shell, Chance Shell, Bennett Shell, Chase Shell, Krew Smith, Baker Lovett, Wiley Shell.
The family would like to thank Dr. David Smith and Nurse Debbie Hayes for their unbelievable attention and care to Dad’s health. Additionally, we want to thank everyone for their social media posts, text messages, phone calls, and in-person stories about our beloved father. We also thank everyone for your continued thoughts, prayers, and support of our family.
At the request of the family, in addition to the visitation Saturday and the service on Sunday, the family would like to invite you to meet back in the sanctuary following the graveside service to share stories of their dad.
JAY FUNERAL CHAPEL IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS
