Bob Shell
A towering figure in the Arkansas construction industry died this week.
Former Baldwin & Shell Chairman Bob Shell died Tuesday at the age of 88.
Born Oct. 16, 1930, Robert James “Bob” Shell was the son of Roscoe and Gladys Shell. He graduated from Little Rock High School and joined the U.S. Navy.
Joining the company (then called The Baldwin Co.) in 1950, Shell worked his way from timekeeper and payroll clerk to becoming the company president and eventually chairman of the board. Shell served at the company for more than six decades, retiring in 2017. However, he remained chairman emeritus.
According to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Baldwin Company was dissolved in 1983 after its founder, Werner Knoop, died. It was reformed as Baldwin & Shell.
On the Baldwin & Shell website, Shell said he was most proud of “being involved in helping the company grow into the most respected GC in Arkansas. Meeting and working with so many owners and clients and being able to do so many projects because of our relationships-working with architects-suppliers-subcontractors all over the state and being able to establish respect for our integrity and our desire to work with them for the good of the projects. I am proud of our people who have matured and become leaders over the years in the community as well as our industry.”
There will be a memorial service for Shell on Friday, Aug. 9, at 3:30 p.m., at Immanuel Baptist Church, with a reception following.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 8, from 5-7 p.m. at Roller Chenal Funeral Home. A private family burial will be held earlier.
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