Herman Sterling Shell "Bookie"

Herman Sterling Shell “Bookie”, 88, of Chester, VA, passed away on June 27, 2024, after a short illness. Bookie was born on June 5, 1936, and was preceded in death by his parents, William Thomas and Rose Etta Bosher Shell; nine brothers; six sisters; his first wife, R. Janet Allen Shell; and second wife, Margaret Blackwell Shell. He is survived by daughters, Robin Fried (Johnny), Tammy Gibbs (Craig), Melissa Oliver (Keith), Melody Dillard (Rob); grandchildren, Dallas Fried (McKenna), Katie Mullins, Alyson Beacham, Caleb and Avery Dillard; great-grandson, Noah Fried; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; longtime friend, Ronald Lundie (Brenda); and his devoted neighbors, Eric and Diana Sorensen, of over 25 years. 

Bookie was a proud veteran, having served in the Korean War, spending time on the DMZ. After careers at Brown & Williamson and Allied Chemical, he retired in 1998, spending his time serving his church, Swift Creek Baptist, faithfully visiting multiple nursing home residents; scanning, editing and cataloging 1000’s of family photos; being an avid VA Tech sports fan; being everyone’s favorite “meteorologist” (providing more accurate predictions than local TV stations); and most of all enjoying time being “Poppa” to his grandchildren and later his great-grandson. While we will miss him very much, we want to celebrate that he has arrived in his eternal home. 

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Sunset Memorial Park, 2901 W Hundred Road, Chester, VA 23831, with the Reverend Dr. Steve Felker officiating. Arrangements are by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Swift Creek Baptist Church, 18510 Branders Bridge Road, S. Chesterfield, VA 23834.