Todd Shell

Obituary For Todd Shell

LIVINGSTON, NJ-- Todd Shell, Jr., 82, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2011 at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ, surrounded by his loving family. Todd was born on October 7, 1929 in Spartanburg, SC, to Todd Shell, Sr. and Margaret (Johnson) Shell. After graduating from Carver High School, Todd worked proudly as a red cap and later as a switchman for Southern Railroad from the age of 17 until retirement. When he was not pursuing his passion of working on trains and greeting people, Todd spent his time surrounded by family and friends, who were the happy benefactors of his affable, fun-loving personality. Todd was affectionately known as "the life of the party," as he was always equipped with stories to tell, punctuated by his infectious, mischievous laugh. Those who knew Todd well can also attest to his incredible generosity and wisdom. Todd's benevolent nature was not limited to family and friends; he was a life-long animal lover, who readily took in and cared for abandoned pets. Todd was also passionate about history, antique knives and firearms, native cultures, and sports, especially horse racing, boxing and football, having played football himself. Todd is survived by his sister, Eleanor Russell of Marlton, MD; his daughter, Rebecca Shell Ross (Richard) of Maplewood, NJ; his son, Richard Shell (Kathy) of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Erin Ross-Bailey (Derek) of Sicklerville, NJ, Robyn Ross of Maplewood, NJ, Joel Shell of Fort Bragg, NC, Kellie Shell and Rachel Shell of Columbia, SC; great-grandchildren, Daylen Bailey and Alyssa Bailey of Sicklerville, NJ; niece, Shelley Russell of Marlton, MD, and nephew, Wendell Phillip Russell (Andrea) of Burke, VA, and his two children, Ariel and Phillip Russell; cousins and close friends.Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011, at 12:00 noon at the John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel.The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service.J.W. Woodward Funeral Home