Paul Neal Helms, age 87, was welcomed to his heavenly home by his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 11, 2019. He was born on February 18, 1932 in Union County, NC to Whiteford and Fannie (Broome) Helms. Paul Neal graduated from Mineral Springs High School in 1950. He served in the United States Army, active duty, from March 1953 to February 1955, and was stationed in Alaska during a portion of his service. He continued to serve in reserves until March 1961. He graduated from Kings Business College in 1957 and later began his career as an accountant at Hilton & Helms Accountants. He enjoyed a career that spanned nearly 60 years where he cultivated lifelong relationships with many of his clients.
He married his grade school sweetheart, Martha Ann Gordon, on February 6, 1953, and lovingly shared with others that they were married “63 years, 2 weeks and 3 days” until her passing in February 2016.
Paul Neal enjoyed spending time with his family and had a passion for studying the Scriptures and teaching Sunday School and Bible study. He led a life of service to his country and the local community. He served on the Monroe City Council from 1969 – 1975; he was awarded a life membership from the Monroe Jaycees in recognition of his service and served in a variety of leadership roles for the Monroe-Union County Chamber of Commerce.
Paul Neal is survived by his three children, Rick (Donna) Helms, Linda (Lanny) Tomberlin, and Gary (Ann) Helms; six grandchildren, Emily (Tyler) Mills, Lauren Helms, Jennifer Baucom, Ann Marie (Travis) Ball, Elizabeth Helms and Ryan Helms; three great-grandchildren, Preston, Trevor and Adeline Mills; siblings, Hazel Hilton, Rachel Tyson, Robert (Nancy) Helms, and Carol (Karl) Seibel and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lucille Griffin and brothers-in-law Jack Hilton and Frank Tyson.
The family will greet friends at McEwen Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 11:00 am at McEwen Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Lakeland Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Union Baptist Association, 1744 Williams Road, Monroe, NC 28110.
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