Tommy Ellis Helms

Tommy Ellis Helms, 64, of Wilmington, NC, passed away Friday, June 21, 2013, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCare Center. He was in born Concord, NC, August 6, 1948. Mr. Helms was a retired district manager for Life of Georgia Insurance Company. He was a longtime member and greeter at Pine Valley Church of God and volunteered with Coastal Rehabilitation. While at Autumn Care he enjoyed assisting other residents as he could and with his joyful presence, bringing a ray of sunshine to their days. He loved the mountains and most importantly, enjoyed his family and being around his grandchildren. Mr. Helms is survived by his father, Calvin Helms and wife Sarah of Concord; daughter, Kelly Harwood and husband Bob and their children, Jared and Haley and "special granddaughter" Sarah Accattato all of Wilmington, daughter, Anissa King and husband Dennis and their children, Alexis and Cody, also of Wilmington; a sister, Cathy Furr and husband Doug of Concord and their sons, Wesley, Greg, and Timothy and families; and a brother, Michael Helms and wife Jennifer and daughters, Stephanie Hall and Amy Hill and families. Mr. Helms was preceded in death by his wife, Etta Simpson Helms and his mother, Sara Carter Helms. The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, 4108 South College Road, Wilmington. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 24, 2013, at Pine Valley Church of God, 3810 Shipyard Blvd. Wilmington. (Phone 791-8253). Interment will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens. Heartfelt thanks and appreciation is extended to the staff of Autumn Care for the love, care, and compassion shared with Mr. Helms and family members during his stay. Also to Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter, and New Hanover Regional Medical Center for their special care as well. Appreciation is offered to his medical staff including, Dr. Mary Rudyk and Bruce Hamburg, Dr. Matt Sinkot, Dr. Kenneth Kotz, Dr. Michael McWilliams, Dr. Kevin Brennan and Dr. Peter Kane. And a very special Thank you to the many friends and family members who have been so supportive over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28401.