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BORN
1939
DIED
2023
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Thomas Helms Obituary
April 20, 1939 - September 6, 2023
Savannah, Georgia - Thomas Eugene Helms, 84, of Rock Hill, SC, and Savannah, GA, passed away on September 6, 2023, with his loving daughters by his bedside. Born in Edgemoor, South Carolina on April 20, 1939, Tommy was the eldest son of Walter Eugene Helms and Violet Mae Bolick Helms. Best known as a homebuilder in the Rock Hill area, Tommy also gave many years of service to the Oakdale Volunteer Fire Department. He attended Mt. Holly UMC and served as a Trustee. He loved the Braves, the Gamecocks, and NASCAR, but most of all, he loved his family. His retirement years were spent traveling the country with his beloved wife, Carolyn, woodworking, and enjoying the many activities and friendships at Summer Breeze Senior Living in Savannah, GA.
Tommy was preceded in death by his bride of 56 years, Carolyn P. Helms, his parents, and a brother, Darrell Helms. He is survived by his daughters, Cathy Long (Rick) and Donna Corley (Keith). He also leaves to cherish his memory 4 grandchildren: Jordan Long (Alana), Mary Catherine Greenway (Dillon), Caitlin Borges (Jackson), and Chris Corley (Carrie), and their children, Addison and Marshall Long, Hudson and Henry Greenway, and Ellis Corley. He is also survived by two brothers, Steve and Randy Helms.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful staff and friends at Summer Breeze Senior Living for their loving care and to the 6th floor staff of Candler Hospital for their compassionate care and kindness. Memorials may be made to Mt. Holly UMC at 1996 Mt. Holly Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730 or to the Oakdale Volunteer Fire Department at 2633 Saluda Road, Rock Hill, SC.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Wilmington Island Methodist Church. A burial service will be held at Mt. Holly United Methodist Church in Rock Hill at 11:00 am on Monday, September 11, 2023, with the family receiving friends immediately following.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Helms
Tommie Ashe
September 20, 2023
Loved Tommy I worked with him at CW Collins construction he was a awesome builder RIP
Ann Spencer
September 16, 2023
Cathy and Donna
Reading Tommy´s obituary brought back so many memories of your Mom and Dad. They meant so much to my family. How lucky you girls to have such loving parents. They were so proud of you both.
Ann Spencer
Lisa Boyd
September 12, 2023
So sorry to hear about Mr. Helms ]´We enjoyed his friendship at Boyd Farms every summer. He was one of our loyal customers.
Lisa Boyd- Boyd Farms
Karen Jenkins Carroll
September 12, 2023
Cathy, Donna and family, I cherish many memories of Tommy and my daddy working on building projects and cooking hash among others. Tommy was one of the great ones. He was always kind and always always ready to do whatever he needed to in order to help someone else. In my younger years every time I saw him, regardless of what time of year, he wore a white t-shirt and khaki shorts. Tommy was a dear friend to my daddy, Richard Jenkins) and to our family. My heart goes out to you, as I know the pain you are in, but I also know as you do that he is in a better place and rejoicing with Carolyn and his many friends and family that went before him. Prayers to each of you as you learn to live without a piece of your heart.
Karen Jenkins Carroll
Hank Johnson
September 11, 2023
Tommy was a great guy.We worked together on many projects. What a great craftsman and even better person. RIP.
Dave & Lou Giles
September 10, 2023
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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Funeral services provided by:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors - Hodgson Chapel7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406
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