Donnie was born July 8, 1944 in Monroe, NC to the late Arnold Wray Helms and Sara Stevens Helms.
Donnie was a graduate of Sun Valley High School. He drove a truck for several different companies throughout his career, retiring in the early 90’s from J.R. Price Grading after many years of service. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved his family and was a faithful servant of the Lord. He was always willing to extend a helping hand, or a listening ear to those in need. He made himself available to help family and friends at anytime of day. He never met a stranger. He was always willing and able to give the best advice because of his realistic view on life, and most of the time he had a witty response for every topic. He had down home common sense and was able to tell you how to fix anything. The last few years of his life he dealt with many health issues, but he always stayed positive, and never complained about his situation. He showed everyone what it meant to be a true fighter, and he fought as hard as possible to be present for everyone. In the minds of those who knew him best, there is no doubt that he is “walking, running, and flying” in Heaven. He taught his family to take life as it comes, and most of all seek the Lord for answers to life's most difficult questions. His laughter and his down home sayings will always been ingrained in our hearts and minds. His memory will continue to live on through the lessons he taught his children, grandchildren, and friends.
He is preceded in death by both parents, his sister Carol Watson, many favorite aunts and uncles, and his cousin Vic Yow, who was his best friend in his younger years, as well many other close friends.
He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver for the last few years, Kathleen Simpson Helms. They were married for 42 years and they were and still are a story of true love. He is survived by four children; Donald W. Helms Jr. (Ronda) of Lilesville, Mike Pressley (Tammy) of Peachland, David Helms of Peachland, and Kathy Bradshaw (Keith) of Monroe. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren who he loved with all of his heart. He took the love he learned from his grandparents and created lasting relationships with his own grandchildren. Daniel Helms (Terri), Andy Pressley (Carrie), Mitchel Herring (Lindsay), Nicole Oatley (Bobby), Dusty Herring (Reaghan), Lauren Morgan (James), Wesley Helms (Taylor), Lesley Helms (Cory), Jordan Helms (Tori), Devin Helms (Madison), and Cameron Helms. He had 13 great grandchildren and one on the way. He is survived by a brother, Ralph Helms (Dixie) of Ruby SC, cousin Sue Thomas (Eric) of Monroe, and many nieces and nephews.
The family will attend visitation Friday, Sept. 20th, 2019 from 6pm - 8pm at McEwen Funeral Home in Monroe. A celebration of his life will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3816 Morgan Mill Road, Saturday Sept. 21st, 2019 at 2pm. Interment will follow in Emmanuel Cemetery.
The family would like to thank all the medical staff at Novant Matthews and Main, staff at Duke University Hospital, Atrium Union, and Continued Care Rehab of Pineville. A special thank you to the staff at Davita Dialysis Center of Monroe.
McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to serve the Helms family.
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