Gary Bennett Shell, 70, of Garrard County, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026 at his home. He was born on August 28, 1955 in Garrard County, KY to the late Giles "G.B." and Georgia Speaks Shell.
Gary graduated from Garrard County High School, where he proudly played football. He then went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky with a degree in agriculture.
Gary was a lifelong farmer and started Shell Greenhouses over 25 years ago. Of all of his accomplishments, his greatest was his life changing relationship with Jesus. This redeemed man was proud of his family and worked to leave a lasting legacy. He loved to invite people to church and shared the gospel consistently. Gary was an active member of Lancaster First Assembly, where he served as a board member.
Surviving is his loving wife, Jennifer Adkins Shell of Lancaster; two sons, Giles Shell (Nattlie) of Paint Lick and Jonathan Shell (Brooke) of Lancaster; a daughter, Elizabeth Kline (Tim) of Owensboro; step sons, Micheal Collins of Lancaster and Kenneth Moberly (Claudia) of Lexington; a step daughter, Michelle (Jade) Gresik of Nicholasville; a special niece, Jamie Lynn Kiper of Lancaster; grandchildren, Jaxson Shell, Reagan Shell, Braeden Shell, Lydia Shell, Gracelyn Shell, Brianna Shell, Andrew Kiper, Grady Kiper, Evelyn Kline, Eleanor Kline, Esther Kline, Phillip Kline, Michael Kline, Gabriel Melcher, Serenity Melcher, Kitana Jayd Smith, Saban Smith-Owens, and Talie Smith-Owens; and a great-grandchild Jabrice King Dawson.
Along with his parents, Gary was preceded in death by a sister, Terry Shell Brown.
Visitation will be 4:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, January 9, 2026 at Lancaster First Assembly. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Lancaster First Assembly with Pastor Wendell Johnson officiating. Burial will follow the funeral service at Lancaster Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Giles Shell, Jonathan Shell, Micheal Collins, Phil Murphy, Tim McClure, Dwayne Halcomb, Beau Spicer Jr., Wes King, Damon Johnson, and Mario Cordova.
Honorary Pallbearers are the LFA Church Family, Garrard County farming community, the wonderful customers and patrons of Shell Farms and Greenhouses and the McDonald’s Breakfast Crew.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary's honor can be made to the Building Fund at Lancaster First Assembly.
