Colton "Colty" James Shell

Colton “Colty” James Shell was born on March 31, 2008, in Waynesville, NC. He left his earthly body on January 3, 2025, freed from all his pain and medical complications. Colty was known for his contagious smile, thunderous laughter, and an insatiable desire to connect with and help others. He loved participating in the Special Olympics, hip-hop dancing at Legacy, and performing with the Tuscola High School Marching Mountaineer Band. Every summer, he could often be found by the pool and boats at Lake Junaluska. Music was his passion; he always had a headphone in one ear and enjoyed playing his drums daily.

Family was incredibly important to Colty – he loved talking with them, asking questions, and telling stories. He was always excited about participating in family activities. Though he and his older sister, Emma, had typical sibling rivalries and conflicts, Colty always looked up to her and found solace in her company. She helped him navigate his complex medical issues and his desire to just be a regular teenage kid.

He looked forward to seeing his friends at school and often would come back excited to tell a story about what had happened that day. He never met a stranger and was kind to everyone. Colton lived a fulfilling life with the help and guidance of his medical team, including his many beloved and devoted home health nurses, especially Adam and Emily, who have been part of his home team the longest. We are so incredibly grateful to all of his doctors and care providers who worked tirelessly to provide the best possible life for Colty. The family also sends their heartfelt thanks to the community for welcoming and embracing him.

Even now, Colty continues to give to others, as he was able to donate several organs to patients on the transplant list. As a donor, he was celebrated with an Honor Walk at Greenville Memorial, where family, friends, and others that knew Colty and his family, lined the halls between his room and the operating room. It was the largest gathering for an Honor Walk that the hospital’s staff had seen.

He is survived by his parents, Matt and Lucy Shell, and his sister, Emma; his maternal grandparents, Ed and Linda McFarland, and his paternal grandparents, Jim and Carol Shell - all from Waynesville, NC; his maternal uncle and aunt, Duncan and Jackie McFarland, and cousin, Chloe - from Lexington, KY; paternal uncle and aunt, Chris and Paige Shell, and cousins, Zane Shell, and Jessi and Hunter Chambers - from Waynesville, NC; his maternal step-great-grandmother, Virginia Dick - from Virginia Beach, VA; and his many cherished relatives who cared about him dearly.

The service will be held on January 22nd, 2025, at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, 566 S. Haywood St. in Waynesville. Visitation will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to two organizations that he was passionate about, Haywood County Special Olympics 1233 N Main St., Waynesville NC 28786  or  Tuscola High School Marching Band 564 Tuscola School Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786 (please put Colton Shell’s name in the memo line)

The family would like to express our gratitude and sincere appreciation to everyone who has loved, cared, and played a vital role in Colty’s life. They truly adore all the friendships that have been made in his 16 years of life.

The care of Colty has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville