Louis William Helly Jr.

Louis William “Bill” Helly, Jr. of Williamsburg, VA took his final flight west on June 1st, 2026. Born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Martha and Louis Helly on May 1st, 1938. At the age of three the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland.

Bill graduated from North Harford High School in 1956. After a stint at Georgia Tech, he transferred to the University of Maryland and joined the AFROTC program. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Maryland and upon his graduation was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. Bill trained on the T-38 at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas where he met his future wife, Louise Miller. After training he was assigned to the 44th Military Airlift Squadron (MAC) flying the C-141 out of Travis AFB in California. He was selected for the embassy runs and also served in the Vietnam War. During his service he was awarded the Air Medal.

In 1966 Bill and Louise welcomed their daughter Karen Diane Helly. In 1969 Bill left the Air Force as a Captain and started his career with United Airlines. Bill and Louise moved to Maryland where they lived until 2006. At United Bill flew Boeing 727s, 737s, and 767s/757s based out of Dulles International Airport.

After retirement Bill and Louise moved to Williamsburg, Virginia. Bill’s passion for history and archeology inspired him to become a volunteer archeologist at Jamestown Rediscovery for over 10-years. Bill enjoyed golf, was an avid chess player, and an accomplished marksman.

Dad, I am heart broken and profoundly feel the loss of you. I know I can do this but will sorely miss your wisdom, sage advice and your wonderful sense of humor. I love you so much.

He was preceded in death by his wife and adventurous travel partner of 57 years, Louise Helly on August 19, 2023; and his parents Martha and Louis Helly. He is survived by his daughter Diane Helly from Seattle, Washington; his sister Janet Heckman, brother-in-law Tom Heckman and nephew David Heckman, all from Bel Air, Maryland.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery (date to be determined).