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“It would be hard to find anyone who has a heart as big as Bob Shell Jr.,� said Huntington Mayor Steve Williams. “He not only helped the city and the state, he helped people. If he saw something that needed to be done, he picked up the phone and called me. Unlike many others, he always added, ‘What can I do to help?’�

Williams said Shell supported Marshall University, the Huntington Police Department and many other organizations and people.

“He has his fingerprints on everything in our community and my heart aches for his family,� the mayor said. “He will truly be missed, but I think his legacy of generosity and love will live on through his sons, his family and everyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing him.�

Bob Shell Jr.’s son, Robby, said generosity was at the core of his father’s ethos throughout his 80 years.

Giving back

Shell, a native of Logan, West Virginia, donated $50,000 to in Logan County for the Early College Academy program that lets high school students take college courses for dual credit.

In 1999, Shell organized efforts to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to supply Kellogg Elementary School in Wayne County with a computer lab equipped with 60 computers, high-speed Internet access and a full-time computer technician. He later provided Palm Pilot personal digital assistants to teachers at the school to use the DIBELS program, which helps assess students’ reading fluency, and he funded new band uniforms for Spring Valley High School and helped pay for one McDowell County student to go to college.

“He put so many children through school,� Robby Shell said. “He put a neighbor’s daughter through college and we didn’t even know about it until after he passed and they called us to offer condolences and thanks for what he did. He was humble and quietly helped so many without a bunch of fanfare.�

Shell also has been a board member of the , , the , United Huntington Industries, the Marshall Artist Series and the and was chair of the Marshall University Board of Governors.

“His tenure as chairman of the Marshall University Board of Governors was a role he approached with honor and commitment,� Robby Shell said.

‘A tireless public servant and businessman’

Shell’s philanthropic efforts were recognized through prestigious accolades, including inductions into the Huntington Wall of Fame and the business halls of fame at both Marshall University and West Virginia University.

“His dedication to his city was a defining aspect of his character, further highlighting his sincere dedication to the communities and individuals he held in such high regard,� his family said in his obituary.

Shell was also well-respected in West Virginia’s political arena. He played significant roles in the transition teams of five state governors, notably Joe Manchin and Bob Wise, and was a trusted advisor to many in the spheres of business, education and foreign trade.

“Gayle and I are heartbroken by the passing of Bob Shell, a tireless public servant and businessman,� Manchin said in an emailed statement. “Bob embodied the generous spirit, compassion and dedication that we West Virginians are known for. ... I am grateful to have called Bob a trusted and loyal friend. We extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s loved ones, friends and the entire Huntington community as they mourn their loss.�

An architect of Permco’s success

Shell was instrumental in expanding Permco into an international powerhouse, employing 500 people across continents including in the U.S., Africa, Switzerland and China. The business was recognized by the state each year for its exports and international business success.

In a 2021 interview with The Herald-Dispatch, Shell said his family founded Guyan Machine Shop in Logan in 1914 and built a thriving business before founding Permco in Streetsboro, Ohio, near Cleveland.

Permco was founded in 1964 to design and manufacture replacement parts for the mining industry, Shell said at the time, and in 1976, Shell began producing entire hydraulic pump units. Permco is a worldwide leader for its hydraulic pumps used in heavy industry.

“We are the largest supplier of dump pump hydraulics in the world,� he said in the 2021 interview.

Shell’s son Todd said his dad’s influence was profound and far- reaching, leaving an enduring legacy in the countless lives and communities he positively impacted.

“We are going to celebrate his life,� said Todd Shell, one of Bob Shell, Jr.’s sons. “I think two words sum up my father and his life: love and generosity.�

“Dad designed the family mausoleum personally,� Robby Shell said. “On the right flank is a statue of the Good Samaritan, to the left he overlooks the Marshall football team memorial grave site, in front a war memorial tribute to his father Robert Sr. That says everything you need to know about Bob Shell, family, friends, neighbors and community.�