William Columbus Helms Jr.

W.C. was born on May 10, 1935 in Oakboro, NC the late William Columbus Helms Senior and Lucille Whitley Helms. He graduated from Oakboro Senior High school in 1956, then began a apprenticeship with the Norfolk Southern Railroad prior to beginning his career with the company.

W.C. was a retired Dispatcher of Norfolk Southern Railroad where he was employed over thirty-eight years. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, was a member of Grantham Lodge #725 and Vida Grantham #348 Order of the Eastern Star. His real passion was loving and caring for his family, spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, hero, best friend, and confidant to his family.

He is survived by his wife of over 59 years, Annette Little Helms, two daughters, Susan Selover of New Bern, NC and Sandie Scott of Littleton, NC, one son, William Columbus Helms III (“Chip”) of Stonewall, NC, two son-in-laws, one daughter-in-law, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren, A sister Pat Carpenter of Oakboro, NC, and a brother Jimmy Helms of Albemarle, NC.

His Memorial Service with be held on Saturday, May 30th, at First Presbyterian Church, 418 New Street, New Bern, NC 28560 at 11:00 AM, with the Reverend Dr. Bill Hawkins officiating.

The family is asking that instead of flowers, for donations in W.C.’s name be made to one of the following institutions;

NC Jaycee Burn Center, UNC, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 275514

Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Rd. Greenville, SC 29605

Oxford Orphanage, 600 College St, Oxford, NC 27565