Fred Douglas Helmick

1944 - 2021

Pastor Fred Douglas Helmick, 76, of Washington, has passed away after a short battle with cancer. He left his earthly body behind Monday, January 4, 2021, and will now forever be in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was born January 28, 1944, in Staunton, Va., a son of the late Charles Helmick and Katherine "Maw" Riddle.

On October 12, 1963, in the West Washington Methodist Church, he married the love and light of his life, Norma Jean Shaddock, who survives. On February 26, 1964, they welcomed a son, Clint, who also survives.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Agnes Kennedy, and two brothers, Leroy and Clarence Helmick, all of Washington. One sister, Nellie (Harold) Runyan of Clinton, survives.

Pastor Helmick was part of the original Class of 1971 at Lynchburg (Virginia) Baptist College, now known as Liberty University and founded by Dr. Jerry Falwell. He graduated as part of the first graduating class in May 1975.

Pastor Helmick served as a pastor for 46 years. He first served as the pastor of Albemarle Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Va., from 1974 until 1983. In 1983 he took over as pastor of the Bible Baptist Church in Washington. That congregation joined with the Wolfdale Chapel in 1994 and became known as The Wolfdale Bible Church. Pastor Helmick was still the pastor of the church at the time of his passing.

Pastor Helmick enjoyed the outdoors. He hunted and played and umpired softball well into his 60's.

In his early years, Pastor Helmick was employed as a truck driver for the I. Richman Company and then worked at the Consolidated Mine in McMurray prior to going to College.

Pastor Helmick was all about helping others, whether it was helping someone find their way to Jesus or helping others through other positions in the community. In addition to pastoring the church, he worked as an aide for UCP/Pathways of Washington for 23 years, as a driver for Senior Life, and for the past six years drove a school bus for G.G.&C. and Trinity School District.

Friends and family will be received from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of a service, Saturday, January 9, in Wolfdale Bible Church, 2025 Jefferson Avenue, Washington. Washington Cemetery will be the final resting place. Evangelist Dr. Leon Foote of Covington, Ga., will officiate.

Arrangements are entrusted to Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors, Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, Andrew C. Piatt, director.

Condolences for the family may be expressed at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to help with Pastor Helmick's medical expenses and final arrangements at https://www.gofundme.com/f/pastor-fred-helmick?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1