Obituary of James Paul Shull

James Paul Shull known to his fans as Mountain Man went to be with our Lord February 22, 2020 at the age of 79.

Paul was born with a wrench in his hand and a need for speed in his soul. He started racing in 1956 at the age of 16. His father Earl and Uncle Ack Shull owned and operated a garage and body shop. And you guessed it they also built race cars. Their work is still praised to this day by natives of Granite Falls, NC as two of the best mechanics ever. Paul was a natural and electrified to follow in their footprints.

Paul worked as a mechanic at Everett Chevrolet in Hickory N.C. and Johnson & Mullins Chevrolet in Clintwood, VA. He later retired from the coal mines as an electrician. These were mere jobs to support his love and passion of racing.

Paul won so many races he lost count at a young age. His home and garage are filled with trophies and plaques. Thank God for those supportive fans who were willing to take a trophy or plaque as a keepsake or otherwise we wouldn’t be able to enter the home place.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Lou & James Earl Shull; sister, Merline Shull Sigmon.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Glenn Gates of Lincolnton, NC; daughter and son-in-law, Misty and Mitchelle Clark of Granite Falls, NC; son and daughter-in-law, Paul Derek and Lori Shull of Hudson, NC; sister, Susie Ryder of Granite Falls, NC; brother –in-law, Fred Sigmon of Granite Falls, NC; grandchildren, Bryan Blevins, Stephanie Elkins Robbins, Roxanne Clark and Jaxon Shull; nephews, Tim and Jim Ryder and a host of friends and neighbors.

Paul will forever be remembered by his family and friends. If you were a fan please know he considered you family.

A memorial service will be held at his home track Kingsport Speedway, February 25, 2020, at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Kingsport Speedway for the dedication of a wall to be painted in his honor.