Edwin Schell

Edwin C. (Ed) Schell, 89, died January 2, 2017 at his home at Grace Ridge Retirement Community in Morganton after a period of declining health. An Asheville native, Ed was the son of the late John Q. and Nannie Neal Schell. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 58 years, Betty Jo Turner Schell, of Lenoir, his sister Frances Schell and his brothers John Schell and Robert Schell. Ed was a graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School and Blanton Business College in Asheville. He was a United States Navy veteran of World War II. Prior to his time in the military, he had work experience with Southern Railway. After the military, his previous work experience helped him to secure a job in Lenoir as traffic manager with Kent-Coffey Furniture Company where he met his future wife, Betty Jo Turner. After Kent-Coffey, Ed worked for Jiffy Packaging and Sealed Air Corporation in senior management and sales positions. He retired as regional sales manager from Sealed Air in 1992. Ed was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Lenoir where he served as a Deacon, Elder and chairman of various committees. Along with his wife Betty, he was a member of the choir for many years. The church was of primary importance in his life, and provided many special and lasting friendships to Ed and Betty. Ed and Betty were active golfers, and played golf regularly with each other, their children, and other groups. They particularly enjoyed traveling and playing golf with their couples group - the Armfields, the Kents, and the Wortmans. Meeting and talking with friends was a special pastime for Ed. From Bubba's breakfast, meeting friends for coffee, special Tuesday lunches, Thursday bible studies, bar nights at Cedar Rock to parties with the "Saturday Night Barely Alive" group, he remained socially active and in close contact with his friends. He was a lover of classical music, opera, and Broadway musicals and was a contributing member of the Charlotte Opera, where he, Betty, and their children regularly attended performances for many years. He was also a loyal supporter of the Hickory Choral Society, WDAV public radio, and other local musical groups. Ed always strived to learn and truly enjoyed reading and traveling. His knowledge and appreciation of history prompted visits to many places of particular interest. He and Betty traveled extensively in the United States and other countries. One of his most memorable trips that he took before moving to Grace Ridge was to visit family in Alaska. Ed moved to Grace Ridge Retirement Community in August of 2015. During those 16 months, he made many new friends and participated in and enjoyed many of the activities provided there. His dear friend and close companion, Roberta Hall, shared most of those activities with him along with long walks, dinners and movies. Roberta faithfully stood by him and cared for him during his recent illness. Ed is survived by his two daughters, Karen Schell Whitworth of Hickory, Janet Schell Kuck and Carson Copeland of Granite Falls; grandson Eric Whitworth of Charlotte and granddaughter Amanda Moose and Brandon of Newton, two great grandchildren, Zachary and Hannah Grace Moose, and several other Schell family relatives. A memorial service will be held at Lenoir Presbyterian Church, 1002 Kirkwood Avenue NW, Lenoir, NC 28645, on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Rob Hinman officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, Ed's family would greatly appreciate a donation to any of the following organizations: Caldwell County Habitat for Humanity, WDAV public radio, Opera Carolina , or the Hickory Choral Society.