Funeral arrangements set for Aflac heir, philanthropist Shelby Amos of Columbus

John “Shelby” Amos II, who used his fortune as an heir and executive with Aflac to co-own a professional sports franchise that won two championships for Columbus and to establish a foundation that benefited numerous community causes, died Thursday. He was 71.

Amos died in Columbus following a brief illness, Aflac spokesman Jon Sullivan told the Ledger-Enquirer.

Amos co-owned with his wife, Wanda, the Columbus Cottonmouths from 2001-17, who played in the East Coast Hockey League (2001-04) and the Southern Professional Hockey League (2004-17) during that time. They won the SPHL championship in 2005 and 2012 and reached the finals in 2014.

His father, John Beverly Amos, was principal founder of the Columbus-based supplemental insurer Aflac, now a Fortune 500 company.

Shelby Amos retired from the Aflac board after 31 years as a member in 2014 to work in a salaried position as market director for the company. He previously was state sales coordinator for Aflac in Alabama, Louisiana and west Florida. He was inducted into the Aflac Hall of Fame in 2020.

“Our hearts and condolences go out to his wife of more than 30 years, Wanda J. Amos, his family, and his large circle of friends,” Sullivan said in an email.

The funeral service will be Wednesday, Dec. 6, starting at 3 p.m., in Cascade Hills Church, 727 54th St., according to his obituary on the McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory website. Visitation will be one hour before the service in the church. A private interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery.

The Shelby and Wanda Amos Foundation supports Columbus Youth Hockey, John B. Amos Cancer Center, Elena Amos Breast Care Center, Children’s Miracle Network, Alzheimer’s Association, Aflac Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Hope Harbour Outreach for Battered Women, Girls Inc. and the Miracle Riders.

‘Incredibly thoughtful person’

Aflac historian Oz Roberts, who for more than 30 years produced events and photography for the company, told the Ledger-Enquirer that Amos was an “incredibly thoughtful person, very giving. He and Wanda, to this day, with their philanthropy do amazing things. … The Amoses, to a person, are incredibly giving. They don’t do it in a boastful way, but they know it needs to be done, and Shelby was that way. … He was a really low-key guy. He didn’t want to be in the spotlight.”

But as the son of Aflac’s principal founder, Amos indeed was in the spotlight at the company. So he knew he had to show colleagues that he earned his position as much as them.

“He proved himself as a smart a capable businessman,” Roberts said. “… He made his way in the company in a very respectful way, … and he always was incredibly kind and generous.”’

‘As down-to-earth as you could get’

Scott Ressmeyer has seen that generosity for decades.

Ressmeyer built a friendship with the Amoses as they were regular customers at the Country’s Barbecue locations he co-owns. The Amoses also have been among the major benefactors supporting the Ride for Miracles, an annual cross-country motorcycle ride Ressmeyer started in 2009, which has raised more than $1.9 million for organizations helping local children.

“Their impact on the community is just incredible, and I know it will continue on with Wanda, but he will be deeply missed,” Ressmeyer told the Ledger-Enquirer. “Shelby got enjoyment out of helping somebody. They never wanted anything in return. They never even asked for recognition.”

Whether it was feeding public safety officers and impoverished students or delivering toys to hospitals or giving Christmas bonuses to Country’s employees, Amos willingly donated.

“He was as down-to-earth as you could get,” Ressmeyer said. “He was one of these people you could approach about anything.”

And you could joke with him as well.

Ressmeyer laughed as he recalled the running gag he played with Amos, who hated yellow squash — but Ressmeyer still put it on his plate, no matter what he ordered.

“I loved him,” he said. “I still love him, and I was very fortunate and thankful I got to spend time with him.”

‘Definitely a partner’

Jerome Bechard, who played and coached for the Cottonmouths and now coaches the Columbus River Dragons in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, considered Amos an ideal owner.

“He was definitely a partner,” Bechard told the Ledger-Enquirer. “As a coach or a player, you wouldn’t want anybody different for an owner as far as resources.”

Bechard recalled whenever he or someone else on the team approached Amos with a new idea, “he always said, ‘Yeah, let’s try it.’ There wasn’t much we didn’t get to do.”

Amos was “fun-loving, someone who liked to joke around with you,” Bechard said. But he took seriously his ability to use the Cottonmouths as a vehicle to help the underprivileged in the community.

“It really was a community team,” Bechard said. “The money he poured into it, it was just a great avenue to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network and other charities. … Wanda and Shelby were kind of introverts — they didn’t like to get recognized — but just like the rest of the Amos family, they took their stature and did a whole lot of good for a bunch of people.”

Community reaction

Comments posted on the Ledger-Enquirer’s Facebook page from folks reacting to the news of Amos’ death further show the positive impact he made.

“We knew Shelby had been sick, but didn’t expect to see this tonight,” wrote Brian Hicks. “I worked for Shelby for the last 10 years of my Aflac career. He was one of a kind! He was a joy to work for, and I often think about the lessons I learned from him.

“He was one of the kindest & most generous people I’ve ever known. I’m forever grateful for his impact on our family. Praying for Wanda and the family as they navigate the days ahead.”

Frank Ward wrote, “Coolest person whenever I went to his office when I worked at Aflac.”

Kimberly Irvin-McGahee wrote, “Working for Shelby and Wanda for the Cottonmouths Hockey team were some of the greatest times in my life. They have always made us feel like family. Shelby was a great man with a huge heart. He is truly going to be missed by so many. My prayers are with his wonderful wife Wanda during this time.”

Brian Brantley wrote, “He brought so much joy to our town.”