Billy Jackson Helms Sr.

Billy Jackson Helms, Sr. INDIAN TRAIL - "I have fought long and hard for my Lord and through it all I have kept true to Him. And now the time has come for me to stop fighting and rest. In heaven a crown is waiting for me which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that great day of His return. And not just to me, but to all those whose lives show that they are eagerly looking forward to His coming back again." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Billy Jackson Helms, Sr., 78, passed into eternal life Saturday, January 31, 2015, at Lake Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Indian Trail after an extended illness. Bill was born on July 17, 1936, to the late F. D. Helms and Faye Connell Helms. He was retired from Pneumafil Corp. in Charlotte and also drove a "bird" truck for Quail Valley Farms for ten years. He loved his Lord, and his walk of life was a testimony for all who knew him. He served on the deacon board, sung bass in the church choir, taught the Jake Tucker Sunday School class for ten years, and served on the Personnel Committee for a number of years. He also served as a Gideon. He loved his community and served as past president of Fairview Fire Department Board of Directors. Bill loved his family. His favorite pass-times were at the beach with a fishing reel in hand or just enjoying spending time with family. He was a Braves fan and a huge Tarheel fan, especially when family would gather to watch UNC basketball. The family will receive friends Monday, February 2, 2015, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Hopewell Baptist Church (Legacy Campus), 420 Hopewell Church Road, Monroe. The funeral service will be at 3 pm Tuesday at Hopewell Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Dr. Lee Pigg and Rev. Brian Austin. He will lie in state for 30 minutes prior to the service. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. At other times the family will be gathering at the Helms Residence, 9105 Jack Connell Rd., Indian Trail. He is survived by his wonderful wife of 60 years, Melven Greene Helms; daughters, Jan Helms Doby and husband Benny of Mt. Gilead and Lynn Helms Baucom of Monroe; son, Billy Jackson "Jackie" Helms, Jr. and wife Annette of Monroe; brother, Tony F. D. Helms and wife Sue of Indian Trail; grandchildren, Kristy Manshack, Scott Manshack and wife Amy, Heather Rogone and husband John, Jr., and Hunter Baucom; and four great-grandchildren, Abby, Haley, and Nolan Manshack, and John Rogone, III, whom he loved very much. A special thank you to H. R. Polk for all the phone calls when he was at home letting him know the time and channel of all the ballgames and to everyone that took time out of their day to visit him while at Lake Park, and to the staff at Lake Park that loved and cared for him each day. Memorials may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church Building Fund, 420 Hopewell Church Road, Monroe, NC 28110. Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Helms family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com.