Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joel Helton Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Coach Joel Edward Helton, age 66, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2015, at his home in Knoxville, with his family and close friends by his side. Joel was a 1966 graduate of Rule High School and a 1971 graduate of Cumberland College in Williamsburg, KY., attending on a baseball scholarship.
Joel was preceded in death by his father, James (Bull) Helton; and brother, Jerry Helton. He is survived by his loving wife, Chris; and children, Alison Helton, Zach Helton (Natalie); and three grandchildren, Jake Covington, Anderson Helton, and the soon-to-be-here, Everly Joel Helton. Joel is also survived by his mother, Dorothy Helton; and brothers/sisters; Ronnie Helton (Kelly), Debbie Keebler (David), Tim Helton, Jamie Helton, Tonya Lackey (Victor); and sister-in-law Cathy Young. He also leaves to cherish his memory 21 nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Monday, July 6, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Merchant Drive, Knoxville, with funeral services immediately following, Dr. Mike Boyd officiating. Family and friends will meet 8:45 a.m., Tuesday at Greenwood Cemetary for interment, service at 9:00 a.m. Pallbearers are Jeffery Howard, Jeff Headrick, Kevin Lane, Jeff McMillan, Mike Human, Jon Miller, and Caleb Gaston. Honorary Pallbearers are L. A. Headrick, E.T. Stamey, Harry Taylor, and Kelly Robertson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the "Coach Joel Helton Memorial Scholarship Fund," P.O. Box 18560, Knoxville, TN 37928. www.mynattfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Helton
Gary (weird cat) Scott
July 23, 2015
I was coached by coach Helton at Rule High from 75-77 along with Jerry as his aid.I am gonna miss them both
July 9, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss of coach Helton. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Helton family. I played football against coach Helton at Farragut High 1987 - 1989 and had alot of good games back in those day. Coach Helton was a great coach and a good man. God bless the family.
Danny Vest
July 8, 2015
I remember the old days of playing with you and Jerry in baseball you let me use your first basemans mit when you pitched you and Jerry were great mentors.condolences and prayers to your family.will love you always. Bill Lambdin
July 8, 2015
Dot, Debbie and family, We were so sorry to hear about Joel. Our hearts and prayers are with you. May the Lord's peace rest with you.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Jim and Debby Thomas
Angel (BELL) BYRD
July 8, 2015
So sorry to hear the loss of such a good man. And yes you now have your wings. God bless this family and keep them in your prayers.Shared a lot of fun softball games with Helton back in the day.
Greg Chambers
July 8, 2015
Coach, Joel Helton was great mentor and friend he was my baseball coach at Rule High and made me and a lot of other young men back in the day better men he will be missed.
Rob Beard
July 8, 2015
Thoughts & prayers from the Beard family!
John and Rita Staley
July 7, 2015
We were so saddened to hear of the loss of Coach Helton. He was greatly respected and will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
John and Rita Staley
Knoxville, TN
Suzie Strader-Ridge
July 7, 2015
R.I.P Joel. It's been such an honor in knowing you and you family. Many prayers for all your family and friends, may they have comfort in knowing they will meet you again one day.
Linda Mitchell Crawford
July 7, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the Helton Family. I first met Joel and Jerry when we all worked at the Coliseum back in the 60's! I have followed Joel's coaching somewhat through the years as both of my boys played football against his teams during their years at Karns. Joel was a fine young man who grew into a well-respected coach and man. I have fond memories of the younger days! He will be missed by all who knew him.
The HATCHER Family
July 7, 2015
Precious memories . . . He will live on in each of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We love you. Phil,Donna & Family
Paula Wilson
July 7, 2015
My thoughts & prayers go out to ALL of the Helton family!! May peace be wth u at this time!! Central High c/o 1988!
July 7, 2015
Coach Helton taught my health class at Rule Hight School. He also taught my son Brandon in class at Central High School.You will be sadly missed as great leader and coach for the youth of Knoxville. Prays for your family . God has received angel in heaven.
PATTY THOMAS
July 7, 2015
R.I.P COACH HELTON !!!! CLASS OF 82
Jane Branam-Bible
July 7, 2015
Rest coach. You were a great coach and role model for hundreds of young people. I will never forget the memories at Rule High School . class of 84
July 6, 2015
Rest now my Coach and sleep well. Job well done. Truly an amazing man. You Have gain your wings now.
July 6, 2015
Classmate of Joel's at Cumberland. Got to see him play a few times on the diamond. Sorry for his passing. From a fellow teacher, coach, alum, and friend. Dan Scott Cumberland '71
Churchie Riley
July 6, 2015
God Bless. ...Rule High School remembers
July 6, 2015
From one Golden Bear to another,rest in peace Joel. Our prayers are with the whole family.Jeff and Margaret Wilson
Coley Woody
July 6, 2015
My 4 years as an assistant coach with Joel awarded me a degree in the application of more than football,it solidified the concepts team, grit, and dealing with adversity. I am grateful that God gave me this opportunity. Joel's trust and encouragement would shape many of my successes today. Blessed wishes, memories and prayers for the family.
Autumn Falcon/ Cannon
July 6, 2015
Im sorry for your loss. Will keep you and the family in my prayers
Joyce Brooks
July 6, 2015
I've known Joel for a long time he and my dad were good friends(Junior Ricker). Prayers for the family.
Tamika Blair
July 6, 2015
Coach Helton was one of a kind, I had him as a history teacher when I was at Central. I went through some really hard times during my senior year and Coach Helton step in, during one of those times he got word of what was going on and came to the office and spoke with me and told me not to worry about anything. That took such a load of my shoulders. I wished that I could have made it to his service. To his family and friends you are all in my prayers
John Brock
July 6, 2015
I feel honored and privileged to have met coach Helton through the City/County bowl in Bell Co. Ky . A first class coach and program.
Vickie Ellis. Walker
July 6, 2015
He was one of my teachers at Rule and he made learning interesting. I loved him and I am praying for his family. What a reunion you will have in Heaven
Allen Headrick
July 6, 2015
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
July 6, 2015
Chris, Alison & Zach, So sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time. - Teresa, Greg, Tyler & Logan Turner
pete rader, jr
July 6, 2015
May you stand by the Lord and do what you love, COACH
pete rader, jr
July 6, 2015
May you stand by the Lord and do what you love, COACH
Neal Rountree
July 6, 2015
So sorry for your loss Joel was a great man and friend I will miss him praying for the Helton family.
HELEN HUNLEY
July 6, 2015
COACH HELTON WILL BE SURELY MISSED BY ALL OF THE GOLDEN BEARS AT RULE HIGH SCHOOL.HE WAS MY HEALTH TEACHER,AND STUDY HALL .MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THE JOEL HELTON FAMILY.
Donna King
July 6, 2015
God bless you Joel Helton! Sending prayers for Joel's family. May you rest in peace! You will be forever missed!
Jason Metler
July 6, 2015
Thoughts and prayers go out too u and ur family Coach.. Thanks for the great memories..Central class of 91
Sherri King
July 6, 2015
I'm sorry for loss of another brother. They are surely in the arms of our savior and no longer sick or in pain. I was very proud to have known Joel. He was an amazing man . GOD BLESS the Helton family. Always in my prayers.
Doris Ridings Crowell
July 6, 2015
To All The Helton Family,
May God give you extra doses of His peace and comfort as you go through this sad and heartbreaking time once again. You are in my prayers.
Rule High Class 1970
Tammy Huguley
July 6, 2015
He was a great teacher at rule high school. He was my ninth grade home room teacher in 1974-75.
Eric Foxx
July 6, 2015
Sending my condolences to the Helton Family. Coach Helton took me on my recruiting trip to Appalachian State my Senior Year at Rule High School. I ended up signing and graduating from there. Thank you Coach!
Patricia Carter
July 6, 2015
Coach Helton will live on through all the young students and athletes that he mentored. God's speed Coach Helton ......Patricia Shepard Carter Rule High School Golden Bears CLASS of 1985
Phyllis Friemuth
July 6, 2015
Prayers and sympathy to the family, my thoughts are with you.
Steven McClure
July 6, 2015
Coach Helton was a great man he touched a lot of people may u Rest coach
ken salmon
July 6, 2015
coach helton was a great coach . he will be missed.
Chris Captain
July 6, 2015
Good times gone but never forgotten. May GOD bless the Helton family with love and comfort during this difficult time
Brad Williams
July 6, 2015
Coach Helton helped shape the lives of many young men and women on the football field and as a teacher. I was honored to play for him for four seasons, and will carry the memories of those teams and our accomplishments with me for the rest of my life.
Rest easy Coach!
danielle fuller
July 6, 2015
coach helton was never selfish and always had gods hand in making someone elses life better. Tough coach but the boys always knew they was apprieciated. God bless allison, zach..and the helton family.
Tim Daniels
July 6, 2015
May God Bless the Helton family!! Coach Helton was a great friend, mentor and colleague of the coaching profession. He will be missed!!
July 6, 2015
I am deeply sorry to hear about Coach Helton. I also regret that I am out west and will be unable to attend the funeral. I am thinking about you all at this sad time. Sincerely, Bob Freeman
Rachel Gray
July 6, 2015
So sorry to hear this, praying for the family. Coach Helton was an amazing man, coach, teacher, father, and husband and I'm honored I had the privilege of being taught by him. He taught me so many things I will never forget and helped me through some tough times in my life. I owe him alot. Rip coach, till we meet again!
Theresa Bailey
July 6, 2015
To ALL of the Helton family whether you be related by blood, a high school friend or he coached you, My thoughts and prayers are for you. My heart broke Sunday night when I heard the news. I greatly miss him coming into Wal-Mart. Whether he was actually buying something or not, he would come by my department just to say, "HI". Joel was a good man and a great friend. I just think of him and Jerry playing baseball again now. God has received another angel into heaven to keep watch over us.
Anthony & Paula Hancock
July 6, 2015
To the family of Coach Helton
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 13-14,18
The family is in our prayers during this time.
Love, Anthony & Paula
Sonja (sam) Pate-Thompson
July 6, 2015
So sorry for your loss, Coach Helton was one of my favorites when I was at Rule during the 70's.
John Bland
July 6, 2015
My prayers are with all of Coach Helton's family. I am blessed to have known him and enjoyed building our friendship while I was at Cumberlands.
Angi Brown. Cash
July 6, 2015
Prayers for the Family of a Wonderful Man..Great teacher and Coach..may God give comfort during this time of loss...Rule High Class of 83
Kim Gaddis
July 6, 2015
Some of my best memories include Joel...from growing up with his family..his mom babysitting my firstborn..both my boys playing football for him at CHS...he was a tough coach but also showed his players he cared greatly for them. He touched my heart when he professed his salvation recently...I love the Helton family, may God bless you ... with much love, Kim
Brian Williams
July 6, 2015
So long Coach. I'll do an extra set of sprints and bench presses in your honor today. I'll never forget my time playing for you (1984-86).
July 6, 2015
To Tim Helton and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mae Cotton and family.
Carolyn Cline
July 6, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jimmy helton
July 6, 2015
Our prayers are with you and family.
Kelly Tillman
July 6, 2015
Prayers for the Helton family.
Steve & Debbie Blank
July 6, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the good Lord bless you!
Mary Woods
July 6, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Helton family. Enjoyed watching the Bobcats under Coach Helton's leadership. God bless.
Brenda Majors-Abbasi
July 6, 2015
RIP coach Helton
Jack & Rose Ann Kile
July 6, 2015
Peace be with Joel's family.
Angel Hensley-Fields
July 6, 2015
Great teacher. Great coach. Prayers to the entire family.
Mike & Sheree Graham
July 6, 2015
Joel was a great person and in our eyes, for both of our kids to be guidied in the right direction thru high school at Central. He will be highly missed. God Bless! Mike & Sheree Graham.
Gary & Linda Shephard
July 6, 2015
So very sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. Excellent coach and an even better person. RIP Coach Joel Helton.
Rita(Byrd) and Daniel (Boone) Harden
July 6, 2015
Our prayers go out to the entire family of Coach Helton, we both have very fond memories of him. May God comfort each of you like only He can. (Class Of 1980) Rule High School
Betty"sunshine" Southard
July 6, 2015
Coach you will be missed by many. Say hi to George and Glendora for me. Miss you.
Susan (Buckner) Lord
July 6, 2015
My thoughts & prayers are with you & the Family. You will be missed.
Paulette Blanton - Herbin
July 6, 2015
To the Helton family, we are so saddened on the passing of Coach Helton and loved this man very much. He gave my kids an opportunity I never dreamed they would have. This man walked into Christenberry Heights Boys & Girls club one day and turned out to be a God sent angel for my kids and for that we will never forget Him. We pray that God will give you all strength to carry you through these trying times and that the kind memories of Coach will comfort you when you feel down. We will always carry great memories of him. Calvin Mathis, Candace Mathis- Hampton , Paulette Blanton - Herbin
Showing 1 - 69 of 69 results
Make a Donation
in Joel Helton's name
Memorial Events
for Joel Helton
Funeral services provided by:
Mynatt Funeral Home, Inc. - Halls Chapel4131 E Emory Rd, Knoxville, TN 37938
How to support Joel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joel Helton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
