Edgar Lebey Helmey

Edgar Lebey Helmey of Raleigh, NC, age 97, died February 9, 2026. A native of Effingham County, Georgia, he was the son of the late Randall and Mamie Cook Helmey.

Edgar was married to Marilyn Howe Helmey for 58 years. She preceded him in death in 2015. He was also preceded in death by two brothers.

Surviving are two sons and family, Donald and Julie Helmey of Little River, SC, Brian and Kim Helmey, Charleston, SC, and four grandchildren Robert Helmey, Charleston, SC, Jordan Vinck, Gilbert, AZ, Christopher Helmey, Charlotte, NC; and Kiersten Helmey, Charleston, SC, along with two great grandchildren, seven nieces and nephews, and twelve great nieces and nephews, thirteen great, great nieces and nephews.

Edgar worked for 32 years with the USDA Soil Conservation Service. He was a Civil Engineer in Gainesville, GA, Harrisburg, PA, Philadelphia, PA, and as a Conservationist in Athens, GA, retiring there in 1998. He continued to live in Athens until October of 2004, when they moved to Raleigh, NC.

Ed served as a pilot in the Air Force on active duty during the Korean and Vietnam wars, with other service in the Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard until retiring in 1978 as a Lt. Col. with 28 years of service.

At the time of his death, he was a member of St. Philip Lutheran Church in Raleigh, having served on the Church Council. He and his wife had lived in Athens, GA for 23 years. In Athens, he was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, where he served a number of years on the Church Council and as Lay President. He was a life member of the Georgia Salzburger Society and a charter member of the Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Salzburger Society. He was also a member of the Athens Rotary Club, the Military Officers Association of America, the Air Force Association,and the National Active and Retired Federal Employees.

He was the author of a three-part book series covering his life titled, Life As I Remember It.

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home of Raleigh, NC, is in charge of funeral arrangements. There will be a memorial service at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 7304 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC on Thursday, February 12th, at 11:00 am. Respects can be paid at 10:30 am. There will also be a graveside service with internment in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Savannah, GA ,at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Philip Lutheran Church of Raleigh, NC, Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Athens, GA, or a charity of your choice.