Henry Raymond Helger

1940 - 2025

Well known and respected antique automobile collector and mechanic| Henry Raymond Helger Jr., 84, of Little Compton, Rhode Island, passed away on January 7, 2025 at home surrounded by his family.

Henry, commonly known as "Ray" is survived by his loving wife Sally Ann (Jean) of 61 years. He also leaves behind his son Henry Raymond Helger III and his wife Leslie of Little Compton. He was the devoted grandfather of Jesse (Karrissa) and their daughter, Lainey Mae of Tiverton and Cody (Macy) of Little Compton. He is reunited with his late son Jamie.

He is survived by siblings Donald and Barbara Helger both of Tiverton. He is predeceased in death by brothers Bobby and Richard Helger.

Born on July 4th 1940, Ray was the oldest son of the late Henry Helger Sr. and Gladys (Sherman) of Helger's Turkey Farm Tiverton RI. He grew up at the family farm which established his strong work ethic. He also would spend time on the Sakonnet River quahogging with cousins. He graduated from DeLasalle Academy in 1959.

At a young age he developed a passion for automobiles, a passion that he would become most known and respected for. He started collecting cars in the early 1950's, the first being a Model A Ford about the age of 12.

After their marriage in December of 1963, Ray and Sally headed on a lengthy ride to Niagara Falls during a snowstorm in their 1930 Model A Ford. This was the same year that Ray was drafted into the U.S. Army serving two years as a corporal working in the motor pool. After this time, he opened a Sunoco Service Station on Main Road in Tiverton. Offering gasoline for .27 cents a gallon and auto repair to the locals.

The couple found their forever home in Little Compton in 1967 and resided there for 60 years. This was a loving home where they raised their two sons, ran a small hobby farm, and relocated his auto repair business to this location. Ray's Auto Repair serviced a long list of loyal local customers.

Ray and Sally tragically lost their son Jamie in an auto related accident in 1990. This difficult time was alleviated in 1992 by the birth of their twin grandsons, Cody and Jesse. "Pops" was always supportive of the business endeavors and hobbies of his son Ray and grandsons Jesse and Cody. Even if it caused him aggravation, the next day he would recall it to the amusement of one or more of his customers.

He was widely known and respected for his knowledge of all makes of models of antique cars. Besides collecting and repairing antique automobiles, he collected vintage outboard motors and all kinds of memorabilia. If you needed car parts, he had them, if you had questions he had the answers. Ray was a living encyclopedia for antique cars and parts. That is how his reputation developed. He took pride in his work and vast inventory. His collection was more of a self-made museum. The fact that one man could collect, catalogue, and display so many parts was and still is truly astonishing. He met people at swap meets and traveled all over in his 1931 Ford panel truck to clean out garages and businesses. Many of these people became lifelong friends. Everyone knew him as "the man in Little Compton with the antique cars." They not only came to him for parts, but his entertaining stories (whether true or embellished). He would sit in his old golf cart and entertain for hours at a time with a grin on his face and his ever-present cigar.

As years passed, Ray dedicated all his efforts to his auto parts business. With Sally's help and computer skills they began selling his auto parts online to buyers all over the world. A successful business that brought them right up to 2023 when his illness made it difficult for him to stay out in his beloved buildings.

He was very proud of the family he and Sally had built. They were a true American family. Ray was a hardworking, loving, family man. He provided for his family and made sure they never went without but always lived within his means. It was his greatest achievement, which was in some small way reciprocated in the end by the care all his family gave him at home right to his last breath. His great-granddaughter Lainey "pretty girl" brought him smiles right to the very end.

He will long be remembered as an honest, hardworking man who had built a wonderful legacy for his family and a good friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Stay At Home in Little Compton, Inc. P.O. Box 353, Little Compton RI. 02837

At his personal request there will be no funeral services. A memorial antique car show is being planned for summer 2025.