Freddie Lloyd Heltsley

Mr. Freddie "Fred" Lloyd Heltsley, 82, of Tullahoma, Tennessee, passed away on October 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after complications from cancer.
Born April 17, 1943 in Greenville, Kentucky, to Lloyd Walter Heltsley and Helen Lorene Sparks, both deceased. Fred is survived by his half sister Teresa Lloyd Gott (David Gott) and preceded by his sister Reva Jane King (William Loyd King) and step father Theodore Reginald Nichols.
Fred was a devoted family man, dearly loved by his wife Julia "Julie" Lynn Eaton Heltsley, and remembered by his former wife Betty Gray Keeling. His legacy is carried on by his daughter Amanda Gray Butters (Robert Wallace Butters) and her children MacLaine and Grayson and Fred's sons Andrew Frederick Heltsley (Laura Lee Laughlin Heltsley) and his children Jackson and Katherine; William Nicholas Heltsley (Drew Marie Brauer) whose twin daughters are expected in December; Seth Russell Heltsley; and Drew Franklin Heltsley (Alexandra Lauren Margaret Smith).
He earned his degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1966 and began his career in 1962 as a co-op student at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC). Fred built an extraordinary 51-year career there, officially retiring in 2008 but continuing to "help out" for five more years. His dedication, integrity, and problem-solving spirit earned the admiration and friendship of colleagues across generations.
A true craftsman, he loved woodworking and home projects of every sort. He built his own home with help from his children, a labor of love that stands as a testament to his skill and dedication. He loved collecting building materials others would have discarded and giving them a whole new life as part of his family's home. He enjoyed travel, square dancing, sailing, and diving into genealogy. He was constantly teaching himself new skills, and he loved to tell you all about it.
Fred also poured himself into his community. As an assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 402, he shared his love of the outdoors and helped shape the character of many young men. As an Elder at First Christian Church, he shared his love of God and helped to steward his church family through many years of change and growth.
A visitation will be held at First Christian Church in Tullahoma, TN, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests doing something Fred would have loved: build something with your hands, teach someone a skill, or simply take time to talk with the people who matter most.