Allen Keith Schell
March 19, 1954 ~ March 26, 2023
Allen Keith Schell of Seven Lakes, formerly of Lumberton, entered his heavenly home on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the age of 69.
Keith was born in Red Springs to the late Furman Schell and Dorothy Schell Stevens. He was a graduate of Red Springs High School, where he was an outstanding baseball player. His playing abilities earned him a baseball scholarship to Sandhills Community College, where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. Keith spent many years serving the City of Lumberton and retired as the Director of Planning and Inspection.
Keith was a kind and generous man. He served on mission trips to Mexico to build houses for families and was a faithful supporter of St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
He never met a dessert he didn't like or passed up a potential deal. Keith enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching baseball, and traveling. He and Vicki traveled overseas and around the US. Keith said the two-month RV trip out West was their best trip ever.
He enjoyed tinkering in his workshop. In his later years, Keith became an avid antique car enthusiast, acquiring and restoring classic cars. He said he often wished he had kept the '67 Mustang he drove when he was a teenager. Most important to Keith were family and friends. He was "always glad to see you" and had a big smile.
Keith is survived by his son, Brandon Schell; his daughter, Jamin Kozak, and her husband, Bill; his sister, Diane Sykes, and her husband, Billy; Keith especially loved all of his grandkids; Cameron and Harper Schell, Jordyn and Koa Kozak.
Also left to mourn Keith are his loving companion and best friend, Vicki Branch Berry, and her children, David Berry, and Cathleen Berry, and her grandchildren, Emily, Tristan, Declan, Ian, Norah, and Matthew.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, March 31, 2023, in the Alloway Cemetery Red Springs.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Keith, memorials may be made to a charity of your choosing.
Keith Schell was a dedicated family man and knew his Savior. Keith, our hearts are broken but we know you’re in heaven and your body is perfect and you’re walking and laughing with your mom and dad. We love you, Keith. I love you, Sweetheart. See you one day.
My prayers go out to Brandon and Jamin , and their families in the loss of their father, and to their children in the loss of their grandfather. May the wonderful memories you have of him help you during your time of sorrow, and these memories stay in your heart forever. God bless you all
A donation pledge to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Keith was a co-worker and friend. I have fond memories of our time together working for the City of Lumberton in the 1980s and 1990s – Keith in the Planning Department and me as City Attorney. He was professional, practical, and kind hearted. And he was a skilled craftsman. Our study is furnished with a desk chair and an office chair which he restored and refinished beautifully. We hope that wonderful memories bring his family peace and comfort.
I am both startled and saddened by Keith’s passing. It has been almost 27 years since we last met, but he is still a fresh memory. We worked together for 13+ years for the City of Lumberton where Keith was an invaluable resource to his department as well as the entire City Staff. He was respected by everyone for his capabilities and his willingness to perform the hard work to accomplish the given task. We were all better at our jobs because of Keith’s influence and dedication.
Keith was also a good friend, one who was always ready to help. His good nature and positive attitude were contagious and all of us enjoyed his presence in our lives. We will always remember his sense of humor and his laugh – they were heartwarming.
I know that his family and friends will miss him very much; a piece of all our hearts is dying today because of our loss. My hope is that we can all take strength from the knowledge that our lives have been enriched by Keith’s presence in our lives; I know that mine has been.
Rest in Peace my good friend. See you soon, Rhys
Keith was a co-worker and a friend. I have fond memories of our time together working for the City of Lumberton in the 1980s and 1990s — Keith in the Planning Department and me as City Attorney. He was professional, practical, and kind hearted. And he was a skilled craftsman. Our study is furnished with a desk chair and office chair which he restored and refinished beautifully. We hope that wonderful memories bring his family peace and comfort.