He was born in Union County on March 25, 1932, son of the late David and Estelle Helms. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Rosa Mae Helms; his brother, Clyde Helms and by his sisters, Alice Newell and Margarett Scoggins.
He is survived by his daughters, Lucille Rushing (Mike), Linda Petty, Jean Nash (Randy) and Betty Helms; eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; his sisters, Ruth Clontz, Juanita Nickels, Frances Love, Hazel Cohen and Louise Baucom and his brothers, Hoyle Helms, Bruce Helms and Buddy Helms.
Joe enjoyed hunting, gardening, fishing, running their restaurant "Joe's Grill" in Monroe and most of all spending time with his family.
The family will receive friends from 10:00am until 11:00am Saturday August 31, 2019 at McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe. A service to celebrate his life will begin at 11:00am in McEwen Funeral Home's Colonial Chapel. McEwen Funeral Home is honored to serve the Helms family.