Brantly Walker Helvenston III

HELVENSTON, III,
BRANTLY WALKER
Brantly Walker Helvenston, III,'Bully', son of Mary Perry Damon and B.W. Helvenston, Jr. 'Walker' was born in Live Oak on September 2, 1928 in his parents' home. He attended Suwannee County schools until 10th grade when he completed his education at the Sewanee Military Academy in Sewanee, Tennessee. After military school he attended the University of Florida transferring to Florida State University upon its conversion to a co-ed university. He enlisted in the U.S. Army for the Korean Conflict. After more than fulfilling his Duty he returned to Live Oak and married Laura Harriett Cantrell. Bully joined his family's insurance agency, BW Helvenston & Sons, the state's oldest independent agency, and the County's oldest business. There he helped expand its business scope to better meet Suwannee County's growing needs.
He was happy, and felt privileged, to serve Suwannee County as a member of Kiwanis, Jaycees, Barrett Lodge BPOE #1165, and many other service organizations. He was proud of being the longest serving member of a municipal zoning board in the state as the Chairman of the City of Live Oak Zoning Board. He was honored to serve his state as a founding member of the Suwannee River Water Management District. He enjoyed serving as Suwannee County Democratic Party Secretary, the State Democratic Committee, and attending State and National Conventions. He was happy to support his three children as they progressed through the Suwannee County School System with more clubs and boosters organizations than he imagined. He was an enthusiastic aficionado of Classical Music and Opera. To piggyback with his lifelong love of History, Bully visited 47 of our 50 states then took off overseas. In over 60 years of traveling he has enjoyed Europe, Asia, and Africa with his wife, children, family, and friends.
He was most proud of serving St. Luke's Episcopal Church, that his Grandmother co-founded, and for singing 'a marvelous tenor' in excess of 80 years. His wife predeceasing him, he still visited with the Dixie Grill Coffee Club that he co-founded over 60 years ago, walking & swimming, trying to spoil grand and great grandchildren and waiting for his next trip.
Bully loved History. He was his Family's go-to for great stories weaving tales from centuries ago making them personal and interesting and topical. He enjoyed passing on tales of North Florida that either he or family members were participants.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Laura & Grandson Walker. He is survived by daughters, Laura Damon Wofford (Walter), Harriett Darrow Eppes (Mark), son, Brantly Walker Helvenston, IV (Susie) and his adored grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Daniels Funeral Homes in Live Oak. Services will be held 11:00 am Friday, March 17, 2017 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church with internment to follow at the Family lot in Live Oak Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to Servants Hands of The Suwannee Valley, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1391 11th St SW, Live Oak, FL 32064.