William Lee Helwig

William Lee Helwig, age 77, of Morehead, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Wood Glen Alzheimer's Community in Dayton, Ohio.

Born December 11, 1948, in Rowan County, he was a son of the late Jack Willard Helwig, Jr. and Mary Ellen Moran Helwig. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Keith Helwig.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Janet "Sue" Wright Helwig; one son, William Franklin Helwig of Morehead; three daughters, Tonya Perry (Travis) of Morehead, Melissa Caskey (Keith Terry) of Cumberland, Maryland, and Heather Caskey of Morehead; eight grandchildren, Kaitlyn Muncy of Morehead, Trevor Mekelburg and Brianna Mekelburg, both of Lexington, Mallory Muncy of Morehead, Bryce Ratliff of Paris, Emma Bowman and Gabe Bowman, both of Louisville, and Koda Melton of Morehead; and eight great-grandchildren, Nataley Tackett, Paislee Mekelburg, Aubreigh Branham, Derek Branham, Genevieve "Evie" Workman, Jasper Ratliff, Griffin Oddis, and Lola Patton.

Additional survivors include two brothers, Jack Helwig II of Palatka, Florida, and Steve Helwig (Leatha) of Morehead; extended family members, Diana Johnson of Morehead, Debbie and Dennis Hanson of Jeffersonville, and Vanessa and Ronnie Wright of Denver, North Carolina; numerous nieces and nephews; his special dogs, Cali and Lakota; and many friends.

Lee proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart.

Lee worked alongside his father operating Helwig's Standard Service Station on Main Street in Morehead for several years and Lee later owned and operated Lee's Chevron on KY 32. He later moved to Versailles, where he was employed at Cornett & Wellman Pontiac Dealership. After returning to Morehead, he worked at Pack's of Morehead until his retirement after 20 years of dedicated service.

Firefighting was truly his life. Lee was a member of the Morehead Fire Department for more than 55 years, holding every rank up to Fire Chief and served as Chief from 1979 to 1981. He also obtained his pilot's license and enjoyed flying out of the old Farmers Airport, as well as attending air shows.

Lee enjoyed NASCAR, U.K. basketball, watching his all-time favorite television show The Andy Griffith Show, and his favorite Christmas movie, It's a Wonderful Life. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his family, especially attending his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's sporting events. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Ray White and Roger Russell officiating. The service will be live streamed on Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals Facebook page beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Immediately following the service, Morehead American Legion Post 126 will present full military honors at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Lee Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Steve Helwig, Ronnie Wright, Travis Perry, Cliff Lewis, Trevor Mekelburg, and Dale Adkins.

The Morehead Fire Department current and former members will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign online guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com