Richard "Dick" Guildford Hellier

Dick was born on November 19, 1942, in Birmingham, Alabama, to William and Mary "Betty" Hellier before moving to Charlotte, NC, and then Atlanta, GA. His head was always in the skies from a young age, working at the Fulton County airport to service and refuel airplanes before earning his pilot’s license while still a teenager.

His upward gaze landed upon the beautiful Robin Anne Warwick. They became sweethearts in high school and through college, when Dick was known to air drop love notes and packages to Robin from a Cessna, establishing early his knack for feats of daring-do and creative expression. They were married on September 4, 1965.

Dick had a stellar career as a US Air Force flying officer, with many accomplishments and awards. He held many roles, including Wing Commander at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. The highlight of his career, however, has been the incredible friendships forged through years of assignments, deployments, ups and downs of military life. He, and those who knew him and Robin, were all the better for knowing each other.

Dick became an elder of Grace Covenant Church in Gloucester, VA, living out his faith in Jesus Christ, and was dedicated to seeing the Church thrive. He loved time with family on beach vacations, sailing, woodworking, poetry, reading, golf, and going on walks with Robin and their dogs. His head never left the skies, and now we are comforted knowing Dick’s home is in the heavens.

Dick is predeceased by his father and mother, William and Mary Elizabeth Ambrose Hellier, and his brother, William “Bill” Hellier, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Robin Hellier, sons Richard “Guy” (Michelle) Hellier, Todd Hellier, and Andrew (Heather) Hellier. Dick and Robin have six grandchildren: Justin (Sarah), Jennifer, Madeleine, Noah, London, and Chloe.

A memorial service will be held at 11am Friday, March 20th, 2026, at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, Williamsburg, Virginia, with a reception to follow. Burial with full military honors will occur at 2pm at Williamsburg Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Samaritan’s Purse in Memory of Col. Richard G. Hellier, USAF Ret, (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/col-richard-g-hellier-usaf-ret-williamsburg-va/).