William Oliver Helm, Jr.

On Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Rocky Mount Rehabilitation Center in Rocky Mount, VA, our Heavenly Father called William Oliver Wendel Helm, Jr. home to Glory.   He was born on October 7, 1937 in Bassett, VA  to W. Oliver and Ethel Menefee Helm.  After graduating from Franklin County Training School in Rocky Mount, VA, he attended North Carolina A &T University before enlisting in the US Navy.  After his stint in the Navy, he returned home and married, the woman who stole his heart, Mary F. Saunders.  To this union a son, Anthony (Tony) was born. William retired from E. I. Dupont after 30+ years of service, and continued working as an auctioneer, and real estate agent.  William's antics were legendary and those who knew him have their own stories to tell.  He was a stranger to very few and found great purpose sharing in the successes, joys, and challenges of those around him. He enjoyed working “with people” and he did not ask you to do anything he was not willing to do himself.  Because of William’s love for the advancement of education, he faithfully and diligently served for 32 years on the Franklin County School Board until he retired.  William was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life, and was known by many names such as Mr. Helm, Bill, WO, and others, but the name closest to him was “Dad” which his son called him, and “Papa” by which his “favorite daughter” and grandchildren called him. He was community driven and served as chairman of the Franklin County Rescue Board, treasurer of the local NAACP, trustee and treasurer for many years at Morningside Baptist Church, officer of Habitat for Humanity, and Sickle Cell, and numerous other organizations. Being a man of many talents: he was an auctioneer, real estate agent, mentor, tax preparer, referee, basketball coach, farmer with his “Green Acres” tractor, “Go-Fer”, and “Fair Weather Fisherman”.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lelia (Lee) Smith; brothers in-law Amos Calloway, Sam P. Saunders, Edward Holland, and James O’Neal; sisters in-law: Lillie O’Neal, and Margaret Holland.  He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 63 years, Mary Frances Helm of the home; one son, Anthony Shan (Vickie); one granddaughter, Antionette (Bradley) Williams; one grandson, Anthony (Shan) Helm, Jr;  two great-grandchildren, Braelynn, and Brenton Williams all of Chesterfield, VA; Ethel (Sue) Calloway of Fieldale, VA; Sam Smith of Martinsville, VA; aunts: Florella Johnson, Ruth Moorman, and Frances Moorman, as well as beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

William will be sadly missed by all that was blessed to meet him in this journey called life.