A private memorial service will be held at the 52nd St, Southeast beach access of Oak Island, on Saturday April 6, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. Please bring a chair if needed.
Jerry was born in Monroe NC on February 23, 1933, the first of seven children of the late Howard Clayton Helms and Lola Helms Helms.
He graduated from Benton Heights High School and then joined the Army, becoming a part of the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft Bragg, NC. After serving his country, he continued his career in various law enforcement positions throughout NC, mostly in Monroe. While there he was with the United States Post Office, Monroe Fire Dept, Monroe Police Dept and he was the first ABC officer in Union County, NC. He also served as a police officer in Little Washington NC and with the Security Dept of Carolina Power and Light.
Jerry loved his country and was proud to have served in the Army, especially with the 82nd. His love for the USA was evident in the various items around his house painted red, white and blue.
Jerry loved to roller skate and while serving at Fort Bragg he met Connie Hussy at a skating rink in her hometown of Whiteville. Together they competed and won several skating competitions and married in 1954. While on their honeymoon on Oak Island, Hurricane Hazel hit the shores of NC and they soon became part of the local history. Unable to leave the island because the draw bridge was already up, they returned to their house and prepared for the worse. Connie could not swim, so as the flood waters rose, he found a crib mattress to put her on and he hung on the side. The next morning, they found themselves in the top of a tree, over at Davis Creek about 5 miles away . . . safe and alive. He and Connie had two children, Stephanie and Jerry Jr., “Sonny”.
He later married Jacque Shaver from Wadesboro and they had a son Jeffrey whom he nicknamed “TATER”. He and Jackie lived in Little Washington, NC, where he again served as a police officer.
Afterwards, Jerry lived in Texas for several years and it was there that he decided he’d also take on the nickname “TATER”. After that, if he was introduced to someone as Jerry, he would say “ I’M TATER ”. He worked over 15 years for Permian Basin Drum & Container Company in Odessa, TX. In 1990 he decided to return to NC to be closer to his children and other family members.
TATER loved being close to the coastal waters, so after his return to NC, he settled in at Long Beach on Oak Island and began working as a Security officer with C P & L. It was at Long Beach that he met Ruth Davenport, the love of his life, whom he lovingly called “SWEET TATER”. They were married for almost 20 years prior to her passing in 2012. He and Ruth enjoyed all the things that the coast had to offer including many friendships and being Sea Turtle volunteers. They later sold their home on Long Beach and moved a few miles away to Boling Spring Lakes. They enjoyed this home which required a little less upkeep, but again, they were still close to the soothing waters of the lakes and canals.
Those that knew TATER best considered him to be a survivalist due to his many life experiences. In addition to Hurricane Hazel, he also rode out Hurricane Florence in September 2018. He had refused to go to higher ground at other family member’s homes and sought refuge with good neighbors, Ben and Susan, in the room above their garage. As the storm progressed, the waters kept rising but then the lake dam broke and the water succeeded. Thank goodness – safe again.
He loved NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt and continued to watch racing through the years.
He was very comical and had a great sense of humor. If you ever came across or even have one of his “TATER WUZ HERE” cards, you know what we mean. He was constantly labeling things, TATER this or TATER that. Signs of his branding are all around his home. All his truck license plates were either “TATER”, “SWT TATER”, or “I’M TATER” and he also had one on the back of his lawn mower. He even has subscriptions mailed to TATER HELMS. He also nicknamed several of his grandchildren and great grandchildren with various derivatives of TATER.
He was definitely one of a kind and will be truly missed by all who knew him well and loved him most.
Including his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Ruth, his brother Jacky and great grandson Noah.
TATER is survived by his daughter Stephanie Helms Somersett and Norman Bullard of Wilmington NC, his son Jerry Clayton “Sonny” Helms Jr. and wife Charlotte of Lake Waccamaw NC, along with their children Jason “Spud” Helms (Michelle) of Leland and their children Kinley, Skylar, Makayla, Sophia and Riley; Jana “Peanut” Nealey (Justin) of Tabor City along with their sons Micah “Goober” and Lucas “Little Goober”; Brandie Carter (Adam) and their son Cameron of Bladenboro, Victoria West and her children Hayden, Tyson and Julian of Bladenboro and his son Jeffrey “Tater” Clayton Helms and wife Suzanne of Douglasville GA along with their son Duncan.
He was very proud of his children with Stephanie being a nurse and also serving 23 years with the USAF Reserve, with Sonny having his own electrical company and Jeff working in high tech computer technology.
He also has many family members serving through various law enforcement positions in the state.
His surviving brothers and sisters are Jo Frieda Martin and husband David of Monroe, Max Helms and wife Nita of Mint Hill, Denny Helms and wife Ruby of High Point, Wanda Rowden and husband Charlie of Monroe and Tony Helms and wife Donna of Olive Branch, along with numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by Ruth’s children, Millie Barefoot, Steve Bolick and John Bolick, all of Mooresville along with their spouses, children and grandchildren.
The family would like to thank his close neighbors, Annette Brendle, Ben, Susan and family, and Bill and Deb for being such good neighbors throughout his time in Boiling Spring Lakes, especially since Ruth’s passing.
We especially thank the wonderful folks at Hospice in Bolivia NC. It takes special people with a very special gift to handle this type of care and you were all amazing and a true blessing. Thank you for sharing your tender loving care with TATER and his loved ones.
The family requests that memorials be sent to SECU Hospice of Brunswick, 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, NC 28422.
Online condolences are encouraged and may be offered at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com
White Funeral & Cremation Service, Bolivia/Supply Chapel is serving the Helms Family.
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