Deacon Shellie Doctor, son of the late Isaac and Florence Coker Doctor, was born August 28, 1928 in Hampton County, South Carolina. After living a full and purposeful life, he was summoned by his Maker on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at his residence, following an extended illness.
As a youth, Deacon Shellie Doctor joined Antioch Christian Church located in Varnville, South Carolina. He was an active, dedicated, and faithful member even as his health began to fail. His stewardship was evident by the many capacities in which he served. They include: chairman of the Usher Board, member of the Disciples of Men, chairman of the Finance Committee, as well as church yard keeper for several years.
Believing that education was important, Deacon Doctor returned to the classroom, earning his Graduate Equivalent Diploma (GED) while attending night school at the former North District Training School. He encouraged his children and grandchildren “to learn as much as you can”.
He, as a young man, was gainfully employed by the Howard Lumber Company and afterwards by the former DuPont, Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina. He retired after thirty-four and a half years of service. His zest for keeping busy led him to employment after retirement with the Hampton County Recycling Center where he worked for eleven years.
In spite of an active employment life, Deacon Shellie Doctor found time to volunteer for the Cummings Fire Department, fishing, shrimping and even tried his hand at golfing! Some of his greatest moments were attending three Masters PGA Tournaments seeing his favorite golfer, Tiger Woods play. Hunting was also a favorite. He was a lifetime member of the Hobunny Hunting Club.
In 1946, he married the love of his life, Virginia Moore Doctor; and to this union five children were born. Two sons (Hugh Doctor and Jerome Doctor) and one grandson (Reginald Doctor) preceded him in death.
To cherish everlasting memories are his loving wife, Virginia Doctor of the home; One son, Isaiah (Barbara) Doctor of Varnville, SC; Two daughters: Valerie (Ret. Willie) Council of Warner Robins, Ga. and Carolyn (Dea. Hubert) Smith of Gillisonville, SC; One brother, Pastor Thomas (Dorothy) Doctor, Sr. of Varnville, SC; One daughter-in-law, Deloris Doctor of Varnville, SC; One faithful and devoted brother-in-law, James Capers of Varnville, SC; Three sisters-in-law: Betty Lee of St. Louis, Ill, Pauline Davis and Polly Moore, both of Varnville, SC; A special niece whom he assisted in rearing, Christine Hamilton of Del.; A special great nephew whom he helped rear, William Doctor of Varnville; Seven grandchildren: Larcena Davis of Varnville, SC, Stephanie Doctor of Hyattville, MD, Dwana Doctor of Hampton, SC, Minister Lakesha Jana (Terrele) Carey of Myrtle Beach, SC, Minister Trell (Johnnie) Terry of Tacoma, WA, Dwayne (Shaconna) Doctor of Varnville, SC, and Eric (Vickie) Smith of Gillisonville, SC. Thirteen great grandchildren: Kevin Lofton (reared in the home as a son), Dondre’ Brown, Carl Stevens, Dekivah Doctor, Lauryn Doctor, Landyn Doctor, Terrele Carey, Jr., Jerome Carey, Andrew Carey, Jonathan Terry, Malik Ray, Michael Ray and Martez Ray; Other relatives and caring friends.
