Gregory Dean Shell

On September 17, 2025, Gregory Dean Shell ran, with two perfect legs, into the arms of Jesus.

Greg, who spent most of his life in Burke County, was a member of Soul’s Harbor Tabernacle in Mooresboro. Having been brought up in a devout, Christian home, Greg’s father and mother modeled a life of faith in God and service to others. As a youth, Greg along with his sisters and parents comprised a family gospel singing group - sharing the good news of Jesus to their community.

Greg’s own relationship with Christ Jesus began early-on. Believing in the power of music, Greg petitioned the Lord for the ability to play piano. God granted Greg’s plea; giving him the talent to play by ear - without ever receiving a single piano lesson. Greg used this God-given gift to praise the Lord; ministering through music and song.

In 2002, Greg was called to preach the gospel, which was his life’s greatest privilege and joy. Greg’s favorite scripture is found in the 3rd chapter of John’s gospel, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting Life.” This verse assures us that although Greg is gone from our sight, he is still very much alive and well!

Greg’s love for service started from childhood. This was cultivated, in part, by his father, who faithfully served as a fireman at Salem Fire and Rescue. When Greg was old enough, he too served alongside his dad at Salem. Later, Gregory was a fireman for greater than a decade; serving at both West End and Nebo Fire Departments.

Greg was a loving husband to Margie Marie for greater than 16 years. He would always say of her, “When God gave me ‘Re-Re’ He gave me my rib back." Greg was a devoted father; blessed with 10 children: Franklin Raye Shell, Joseph Edward Shell, John Albert (‘Jay’) Henderson III (wife, Aleisha), Gregory Allen Shell, Chasity Nicole Matheny (husband, Brent), Brittany Nicole Shell, Rebecca Lynn Williams (husband, Jerimie), Miranda Marie Robinson (husband, TJ), Buddy William Shell, and Bryson Clay Shell.

Throughout Greg’s life, God’s love was manifested by countless miracles - not only during physical afflictions but during times of the deepest sorrow. Greg experienced the death of his little boy Bryson Clay Shell in 2009, his newborn grand-daughter Mackenzie Jaylynne Henderson in 2012, his beloved young daughter Brittany Nicole Shell in 2015, and an infant niece Jessica Lynn Shell thereafter. He was also preceded in death by his father Buddy Edward Shell, who was his role-model in 1985, his loving mother Wilma Jean Ray on 2022, and his dearest friend and brother in-law Howard ‘Duck’ Franklin in 2007. It was Greg’s faith in the promises of God, such as the one found in John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” that gave Greg strength during those times of tremendous loss.

Greg was definitely a family man. There were few things in his life that compared to the love he had for his 23 grandchildren: Mariah, Bobby, Sydney, Mackenzie, Destiny, Kenzie, Serenity, Johnny, Wesley, Evelyn, Savannah, Colt, Selena, Eli, Tony, Riley, Clayton, Madison, Emma, Tobias, Tucker, Jesse and Dustin and 2 great-grandchildren: Miles and Rebecca. Greg gave every effort to celebrate and support each one of them.

Greg, who was a self-proclaimed ‘Jack-of-all-Trades and Master-of-None’ has been a blessing to the lives of many. His loving wife and surviving children & grandchildren are only a fraction of those left behind to cherish his memory. Others include his sisters: Diane Lynn Smith and Crystal Dawn Lashinski, his in-law’s (who loved him like their own) Chuck and Joyce Poole (father and mother-in-love) and Chrissy Stallings (sister-in-love) and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers and friends.

In the words of Greg’s favorite song, “What a day that will be” when we see Greg again! He would encourage anyone reading this to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior, to have a relationship with Him, and prepare for their own homecoming - where they can meet Greg again on that beautiful shore. Until that time, please love, support, and pray for his family and each other.

On Monday September 22, 2025, Greg’s family would be honored for you to join them at Cooper Springs Congregational Holiness Church (located at 5840 Bostic Sunshine Hwy, Bostic NC 28018) for special services to honor Brother Gregory Dean Shell. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1:30pm to 3pm. A worship service and celebration of Greg’s life will be immediately thereafter. After the celebration, the family welcomes you to be in attendance as Greg’s body is planted at Soul’s Harbor Tabernacle (located at 441 Sandy Run Church Rd, Mooresboro NC 28114).

Greg will be remembered as a man who enjoyed fishing, camping, and road-trips with family. He was a successful long-haul trucker and talented mechanic. Greg was a fireman, singer, pianist, Sunday School teacher, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He had a heart for service and loved to warm the hearts and bellies of friends. But, more than all these things combined, Greg would want to be remembered as someone who truly knew and loved the Lord.