Oliver Perry Shell, oldest son of Mrs. Mary C. Shell and brother to Otis P. And Miss Laura Shell of Dunn, died at his home in Warrenton yesterday morning. He was 58 years old and for more than 25 years had been one of the most popular traveling salesmen traveling the Southern states.
“Ollie” Shell was born in the pretty old town of Warrenton. He spent his youth there and was for many years employed on the Warrenton Railroad, of which his father, Captain Oliver P. Shell Sr., was the general manager. He was one of the most beloved of the community and when a youngster was the best baseball player in that section.
As a young man he was married to Miss Mattie Bell Macon, a great-granddaughter of Nathaniel Macon. To them three daughters were born. They are Mrs. Olive Knight and Miss Virginia Shell of Warrenton and Miss Elizabeth Shell of Kinston. His wife also survives him.
“Ollie” was about the first friend I ever had. When I was five years old I made his acquaintance after running away from home to see the little “iron horse” that pulled the Warrenton train. Ollie took me in hand at the station, showed me how to run the engine, filled me with watermelon and then sent me home. From then on I was a regular caller at his place and there grew into my heart a love that has never died for this man who was never too busy to serve his friends.
Every kid in the Warrenton of my day loved Ollie Shell. Those boys and girls are scattered over the world now, but I know that wherever they are they will shed a tear for him when they learn of his passing.
Death came suddenly to my friend. He had been in ill health for several months, but had sufficiently recovered to attempt another trip on the road. He had his baggage packed to come here for a visit with his mother when he was stricken early yesterday morning. He was dead within an hour.
I know his soul will rest in peace.
--B.F.
From The Dunn Dispatch, April 5, 1921
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