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Brian Helms Obituary

HELMS, BRIAN DOUGLAS Brian Douglas Helms was given to us on July 13, 1980 and taken by our Lord Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 28 years of age. He lived in Orlando, FL all of his life, attending Boone HS and graduating Valencia to later attend UCF. He had a passion for NASCAR, volleyball, and the Gator football team that surpassed all. Brian was a charismatic ladies man and a devoted friend to all he knew. He had the heart of a saint with an attitude to match, always offering a warm smile and words of kindness. His love for his family and son, Duce the dog, will be forever felt and remembered. He is survived by his grandparents Nancy Helms Wiggins and Walter Wiggins and Eleanor and Lance Rickerson; father Brett Helms; mother Cindy Johnson; brother Jason Helms; sister Amy Helms and son, Duce the dog. Visitation will be held from 6PM-9PM Thursday, August 28th in the Henry Chapel at First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando. Funeral services will also be held in the Henry Chapel at 7PM Friday, August 29th. The family requests casual attire. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brian Helms memorial fund c/o Mercantile Bank, 100 S. Orange Ave., Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32801. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.NewcomerOrlando.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel on Aug. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Helms

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Jay and Julie Johnson

September 7, 2008

Nan, Sandy & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Brian will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Shannon Graham

September 3, 2008

I am just today learning of the passing of Brian. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with his family and friends. I worked with Brian many years ago when he was a teenager. I was impressed by his work ethic and extremely friendly personality. A short time later, I met and worked with his grandmother Eleanor when I went on to another company. I looked forward to Eleanor's updates on what Brian was doing until she retired. As many have already expressed- Brian was a very special person.

Floyd West

September 1, 2008

Brett, Cindy, Nancy and family.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the whole family. We were unaware of Brian's passing until Saturday. May God give you comfort in this time and thru the weeks and months to come. We did not get to know him, but based on what we have read, he was a wonderful man. He has left a legacy

Floyd & Ann West

Jeff Kurtz

August 30, 2008

It was probably the 8th grade for you guy's when Chris brought you home one day to introduce you to Melodye and I. You were extremely polite, well mannered, well dressed and handsome. You seemed to good to be true. I asked Chris if you were like "Eddie Haskell" on "Leave it to Beaver".I had Chris on a full time Baseball carreer, and he didn't need any distractions with girls and partying. Well, Chris told you and I was embarrassed. I apologized then and many times therafter. How wrong I was. Brian you were special then and special until the end. You showed me the qualities that would make any parent proud to have you as a son! I got it right on the girls and the partying. You were the smart one. While your "buds" were out working their butts off on the field, you were playing the field, and with a big smile! Brian, I'm proud to have had you as a friend and that you were a true friend of my son. Brian, it was very apparrant that you touched the lives of many other friends and Parents the same way as you touched ours. Thank you for the greatest gift you could offer your fellow man. Love! God gave you a gift, and you shared it with all! We'll miss you, but never forget you!
Jeff Kurtz

Jody Green

August 29, 2008

I was blessed to have known Brian even if it was for a short amount of time. He had a kind, happy spirit and was loved and cherished by his friends. My deepest sympathy goes out to his loved ones. May you find peace and comfort in his memories and each other.

Kristen O'Connor (Alexander)

August 29, 2008

I knew Brian in high school he was a good friend to my brother and I. I remember for my 18th birthday he gave me Aerosmith Greatest Hits cd. And we listen to it on our way to and from school. Brian would spend hours at my house shooting hoops with my brother Michael. I remember Brian
giving me a hard time for wearing my FSU tee he loved the Gators! You are in my prayers.

jodi wilder roach

August 28, 2008

I'm so sorry for your loss. Brian was such a great guy, always smiling and handing out hugs. It's had been along time since I last saw Brian. I did have the pleasure of seeing him at the Boone 10 year reunion. Brian will be greatly missed by all that he has touched over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

jodi roach

August 28, 2008

I'm so sorry for your loss, I knew Brian from high school. It's been years since I saw Brian. I did have the pleasure of seeing him at the Boone ten year reunion, Brian was a great guy and will be missed greatly

Jodi Wilder Roach

Keara Gilbert

August 28, 2008

One of the nicest guys I have ever met. Always there to say hello with a warm smile and hug. You were a great friend to alot of people and very loved. I know your in heaven.

Steve Braun

August 28, 2008

I knew Brain when he was a baby, He lived behind us with his family in Sky Lake South He and my son Brandon would play together, I can still see him at the fence calling for my son to come out to play in his little pool while his Mom would be at his side This is a truly sad thing that he has passed To Cindy and Brett I am sorry for your loss..... Steve Braun

Rachel Pope Churchill

August 28, 2008

What a tragedy. He was always full of smiles and love. He will be missed until we meet again. Love you B!

Sarah Tripp-Harris

August 28, 2008

Even though it has been years since I last saw Brian, just the thought of his smile brings joy into my life. He was so much fun to be around, especially when it came to arguing about the Florida vs. Florida State football rivalry. He was the kind of guy that was blessed by God with the ability to be a good friend, and gave unconditional love to all he knew. To his family - thank you for the gift of life you gave to Brian and for sharing him with all of us. My deepest sympathies and thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mel and Marsha Johnson

August 28, 2008

Our family is devastated by the loss of this wonderful young man. It was a privilege and honor to have known him. He will remain close in our hearts whenever we remember the wonderful times we shared. He will be greatly missed.

Reba Braun

August 28, 2008

Our family has known Brian all his life and have deep feeling of sympathy for his family. He was a wonderful man and we all loved him very much. Our prayers are with his family and he will be missed by us all. The Braun Family.

ROBIN PROUT

August 28, 2008

TO BRIANS FAMILY, WHAT A WONDERFUL,BRIGHT, INCREDIBLE YOUNG MAN BRIAN WAS, WE LOVED HAVING HIM AT OUR HOME . HE WAS ALWAYS SMILING,JOKING AND CHEERFUL TO ALL. HE WAS LIKE PART OF OUR FAMILY. HE WAS AN INSPIRATION TO ALL AND WILL BE GREATLY AND SADLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM AND BY THOSE WHOSE PATH CROSSED HIS.WITH LOVE AND SYMPATHY. THE PROUT FAMILY, ORLANDO,FLORIDA.

Tara Banville

August 28, 2008

I am still in disbelief that Brian is no longer with us. He was such a wonderful person and I will never forget him. I remember when I went to my very first Nascar race ever, he was there with us in Homestead and I got to meet his brother Jay for the first time, broken leg and all! What great times we had. He is our angel now, and my deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones at this time.

tasha shatzer

August 28, 2008

It saddens me to hear of this loss. Brian will be greatly missed. He was always such a fun & vibrant person. My prayers go out to all of his friends & family.

Pete Hanson

August 28, 2008

My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Brian this past Memorial Day in Charlotte, North Carolina. In the brief time we were around Brian, he was the ultimate gentleman and simply a wonderful human being. Our thoughts and prayer's are with the family and friends who were lucky enought to spend time with Brian.

Pete and Kelli Hanson

Chris Livingston

August 28, 2008

I knew Brian through the mortgage business as he worked with a few friends of mine; as a lenders representative I would visit offices all day long and he was always the most friendly and genuinely concerned person that I would speak to. There was never a day that passed where he didn't see me and ask how things were going or share a warm smile.

May God bless his family and loved ones!

Natalie Gerasimenko

August 28, 2008

I had the pleasure of being the next door neighbor of Brian's. We met with the offer of pork sandwiches. I will always remember seeing the TV on as I drove by, and the sound of his lawn mower as he ran over sticks and tree limbs. He would always call out, hey neighbors!! And constantly tell us we were being too loud. I will miss you buddy. And will always think about you when we are sitting in the backyard.

Lindsey & Chris Kurtz

August 28, 2008

There is a huge empty spot in our hearts today that will never be filled. Brian was our best friend and a part of our family. He was always there for us whenever we needed him. To take us to and from the airport, to watch our animals...even to clean out our leftovers in the fridge; but most importantly just being a joy to have in our presence. It was impossible to be anything but happy when Brian was around. We always used to joke that he was Lindsey's second husband. However, we know that there were many others that felt this same way about Brian in their lives. He was just that amazing.

As I sit here, I have Duece nudging me for his attention. This reminds me of how lucky we are to have so many great memories of you that were left behind for us to cherish. This makes us happy.

Brian, I promise you that we will try to live our lives to the fullest just like you did. And in this hard time, come together with all of our friends and be strong like you would have wanted.

We love you and we will forever miss your welcomed unannounced entrances through the door just as dinner was ready to be served.

Love, Chris and Lindsey

Jessica Embry

August 28, 2008

Unfortunately, I hadn't had the pleasure to know Brian for very long, but in the little time of knowing him I immediately discovered this special individual who without a doubt would always walk in the door smiling, would give me a big bear-hug, followed by 2 kisses, one on each cheek. He was an extremely kind person with an enormous warm heart who always made me feel like family. Brian, you will be truly missed!

The Bible says, “When this tent we live in (our body here on earth) is torn down, God will have a house in Heaven for us to live in, a home he himself has made, which will last forever.”

Brian, at the end of my life, I’ll look you up in Heaven and we will get to know each other better.

My prayers and blessings are with the family and friends who all knew Brian.

Love,
Jessica

Jen Livingston

August 28, 2008

Unfortunately I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Brian, however my husband as well as friends of mine did and hearing their thoughts of the good natured, genuine person he was, made my heart feel heavy to have missed out on knowing him. All of you are in my prayers and I know Brian will be watching over all of us with good company from above.

Kathy Anthony

August 28, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian's family during this truly difficult time. B was always a smiling face that we looked forward to seeing! We will deeply miss you! To the family, may God hold you in the palm of His hand and comfort you through this tragedy. God Bless
Kat and Pat (Patrick Thompson & Kathy)

Ryan Powers

August 27, 2008

I am so blessed to have known you. You were such a remarkable young man who had a unique way of bringing laughter to any situation. We shared many laughs but one in particular and you know the one...that made us laugh until we cried, I'll never forget. I take comfort in the fact that you are now surrounded by God's love in his kingdom and I pray that God brings peace to your family.

Jennifer Cox

August 27, 2008

It's so hard for my to wrap my mind around this!! You were such a wonderful person and a great friend to all of us who had the pleasure of knowing you all these years. You touched our lives in a very special way and will be missed terribly! XOXOXO

Love Always!!
Jen Cox

Amber Teal

August 27, 2008

It was nothing but a pure pleasure knowing Brian and sharing the many memories we did over the years. My heart aches knowing that you were taken from us so soon and so unexpectedly, but feels lighter knowing that you are in a much better place and we will one day meet again. Watch over us B, you will forever be missed but never forgotten.

All my love,
Amber DeKemper Teal

Kim Roberson LaPorte

August 27, 2008

Brian - you will be so missed! I still can't believe it. You brought so much joy and happiness to so many people's lives. You are truly amazing and to say that I was lucky to have known you would be an understatement. My thoughts are prayers are with your family and with all those who love you.

Tasha McElroy Prince

August 27, 2008

The world lost an amazing man the day God took Brian home. My prayers and thoughts are with the many friends and his wonderful family in this difficult time. I will miss him dearly and will cherish the many memories we have shared as friends.
God Bless

Rosemary Zubiria

August 27, 2008

Brian, the love of everyones life. He brought so much love, happiness and sunshine into the world. He will be missed by everyone, but never forgotten. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends.
Rest in peace Brian.
Rosemary and Carlos Zubiria

Charlsy Strange

August 27, 2008

I still can not believe that you are not with us anymore. I love you so much and you will forever have my heart. Your hugs made feel safe and smile me made glow. For some reason you were take from us prematurely but I am certain that you have your wings now and you are watching over all of us. I will see you again someday and that brings me solace. This world was blessed to have you in it and all of those you who knew were somehow changed because of your kind spirit. I love you so much and miss so much more.

Deb James

August 27, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Brian's family and friends. Such a fine young man - I cannot imagine get togethers at Wiseguys without him.

I remember meeting Brian for the first time - I told him he reminded me of Russell Crowe, but better looking. He always talked about that and would give me that Hollywood smile - what a special individual! He was so respectful all the time. His hugs gave you the feeling of how much he really cared about you.

He will be greatly missed. We pray for the family to have strength during this difficult time.

Love Chief & Mrs. J

Brenda and Scott MacIntyre

August 27, 2008

Brian was one of the friends of my children, Meghan and Aaron, that you could always count on. I will always remember him as being so happy - always with a smile on his face. He was always so polite and respectful to me and my husband. We are all so heartbroken. It reminds all of us, we never know when our time is up. Life is so precious and it can be taken from you in an instant.
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will NEVER forget how you made them feel." Brian always made everyone feel so special and we will NEVER forget him.
May God's love and the promise that we will all meet again in heaven help the family and all of Brian's many friends get through this time of loss and sadness. We will keep you all in our prayers.
With deepest sympathy, Brenda and Scott MacIntyre

Amanda McCurdy

August 27, 2008

My prayers go to the family and friends of Brian. I feel blessed to have had him as a friend. He will be missed and never forgotten. He truly was a gift.

richard elo

August 27, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies. remember the little things because those are the important things.

Kristin Hollingsworth-Prout

August 27, 2008

You were such a great friend to me all through high school. And seeing you 10 years later at our reunion brought back so many fun, great memories. You will be missed by all of your family and friends. I will always treasure our fun times, but most of all our 10 year reunion picture we took together and that fun night. God bless you and your family. May your memories live on in all of our hearts.

Beth Graham

August 27, 2008

It will be the little things
that you will remember,
the quiet moments,
the smiles, the laughter.
And although it may seem
hard right now,
it will be the memories
of these little things
that help to push
away the pain
and bring the smiles
back again.

With Loving Memories
My thoughts are with you all.

Shannon & Adam Osborne

August 27, 2008

To The Family of Brian Helms, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. This was a tragic event in the hearts and lives of everyone who Brain touched. He was such a thoughtful and honest man, who always put others needs first. We've had lots of fun times with him and he will always be in our hearts! It helps us to heal knowing that he is in a place where he will never feel any pain ever again. God Bless you and your family in this time of need. Love the Osborne's

Patti @ Edgewater Financial

August 27, 2008

I cannot imagine the world without Brian. I will forever remember and treasure his wonderful teddy bear hugs; his warm, sweet smile and his gentle laugh . By simply walking into a room, Brian made everyone feel better - he was like human sunshine. My heart goes out to his family and all of his many friends. Oh how lucky we all were to have had him in our lives. He will forever be loved and missed. Suddenly the world is much quieter.

Lindsey Tanimae

August 27, 2008

Brian and I met at Charles Schwab where we both worked at the time. He was a true friend and I will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

Colleen Roblin

August 27, 2008

Hi Nancy and Walt,
Skii and I noticed alot of cars @ your house this weekend and thought you all were having a family reunion. We are sorry to hear of your loss. You have experienced loss with Shorty, but that does not make it any easier I'm sure. May you find peace in the memories of your son, Nancy. We are so glad that Walt is standing by your side. If there is anything we can do, please call us 407 929 0760. Skii and Colleen Roblin, Lk Mabel Dr.

Wayne Kester

August 27, 2008

I never met Brian but my heart goes out to his entire family for their loss. Nancy and Walt, you, Eleanor and Lance are in my thoughts and prayers.

Courtney Warren

August 27, 2008

You were such a big part of me and Sean's life. I will always cherish your memories and cooking dinner for my boys and making you that cornbread stuffing that you loved so much. Our little Nate will always have his Albert the Gator book you gave him to know how much his Uncle B loved him. We love you so much and are praying for your Mom and Pops and the rest of your family who will truly miss you.

Margie Heath

August 27, 2008

I had the pleasure of knowing Brian back at Boone and I can still recall all the fun times we shared. When I heard the news yesterday my heart and thoughts went out to his family. I pray for his family to TRY and find the strenght with in to get through this very tough time. I was blessed to Know Brain.

-Margie

Brindley Thomas Vancura

August 27, 2008

Brian is one of the few people in this world whose magic I can't picture the world existing without. Everyone he's touched will carry that magic with them indefinitely. He was such a gentle and loving creature and was able to pass that feeling on in ways I've never known anyone else to be capable of. He was so very loved. I loved him so much. My thoughts are with you all.

Linda Adkins

August 27, 2008

To Nancy and Walt:
I know this is a huge loss but also know that you lived every day loving your family and I know that Brian must have felt your love every day. You are in my prayers.

Buffy (Coleman) Dowdelll

August 27, 2008

B-
I cannot find the words. No words could ever explain how I feel. I am still waiting for you to call about a concert or walk through the door. I find myself hearing the comments you would make about whatever it is that I am doing. I miss you so much. I am praying for your Mom and Jay and the rest of your family. I pray that they find the grace and will of the Lord, that they know you are held tightly in his loving arms.
I love you B.

Shelley (Stoops) Budke

August 27, 2008

I had the pleasure of enjoying dinner at the same table with Brian at our recent 10 year BHS Reunion. What a great guy with such a contagious smile. I feel fortunate to have that most recent memory. I know he will be truly missed by all of his friends and family. With thoughts and prayers...

Nikki (Haveard) Ruscitti

August 27, 2008

I can not find the words to describe what a wonderful person Brian was. If you knew him, then you could count him as a friend and a good friend at that. That is what I will remember most, what a wonderful friend he was to everyone he knew. I can't remember a time that he said hello or welcomed me home without giving me a big hug. He will be deeply missed and always remembered. Brian's family and all of Brian's friends, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Julie Leininger

August 27, 2008

To Brian's Family:
I know of Brian through the years that I worked with his Grandmother Eleanor. I would always enjoy hearing her talk of her grandchildren who she enjoyed so much. I would see Brian at Gator games with Lance and Eleanor. I know how much all of you love Brian and how dearly he will be missed. You are, and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Katie Ammerman Ostroth

August 27, 2008

I will always remember Brian for his hugs. Everytime I saw him I got a hug, even if I'd just seen him hours earlier. He had a smile that could brighten the room and personality to match. He was a friend to everyone he met. One of my first encounters with Brian was at Boone. I was an athletic trainer for the football team and one day he gave me his UF gatorhead necklace to wear during practice.... I thought I was so cool.

Brian was loved by so many and his memory will live on forever.

Angie Price

August 27, 2008

I can't seem to get his smiling face out of my head. I pray that God brings your family peace with each day that passes.

The Banales Family, Lake Mabel Drive

August 27, 2008

Brian was a fine, devoted and loving man to his family, his son Duce and to his friends. Our hearts are very saddened, as we know that his kindness, thoughtfulness and warm smile will truly be missed by all.

The angels must be celebrating, because Brian is among them now. Even in your sadness, may you find comfort in knowing that in the name of love and glory, Our Father has carried Brian home to heavenly peace. Brian's loving, joyful spirit has been rewarded with eternal life in heaven. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.

God Bless,
Glenda, Richard and Brianna Bañales

Nancy & Bill Capehart

August 27, 2008

We were very sad and stunned by the sudden passing of Brian. Although we only met him once for a long weekend over Memorial Day, we thought very highly of him and thought he was a great guy and fun to be around. We are very sorry for your loss.

Nancy and Bill Capehart
Huntersville, NC

JOHN MASON

August 27, 2008

my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Alexa Williams

August 27, 2008

My thought are with you right now in this difficult time. I will always remember Brian's warm smile. He will be missed.

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