Mr. Leon Wheeler "L.W." Helmly, Jr., the beloved husband of the late Carolyn Dorothy Still Helmly, died on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at Pepper Hill Nursing and Rehab Center in Aiken, SC after an extended illness.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Westover Memorial Park with The Rev. Linda Birchall officiating.
Mr. Helmly was born In Augusta on February 24, 1928 to Leon Wheeler Helmly, Sr. and Gladys Inez Hemrick Helmly. He attended Richmond Academy, Augusta Junior College and George Washington University. He served in the United States Army in Japan at the end of WW II and received an honorable discharge in 1948.
After the war, he began a forty-year career with the United States Signal School at Ft. Gordon. He began as an instructor of electronics and worked his way through the ranks, retiring in 1988 as one of the highest-ranking civilians on the base. He was particularly proud of the instrumental role he played in combining the Ft/ Monmouth, NJ branch of the Signal Corp with Ft. Gordon.
He was a founding and very faithful member of St. Mark United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School for over 60 years. He also served on the Board of Trustees, Staff-Parish Relations, Music and Finance Committees. He had a deep faith in God and loved St. Mark's very much.
He was a generous benefactor and board member to other religious and civic institutions including Meals on Wheels, The Angel Food Network, Adopt a Platoon and The Augusta Warrior Project, among others.
Mr. Helmly and his late wife, Carolyn, were inseparable for 44 years. The family is grateful that he is now back in her loving arms. They were avid collectors of cars, particularly '57 Chevrolets and muscle cars. Enjoying a national reputation for their meticulous restorations, their cars won First Place in competitions all over the United States. He was a member and served on the boards of many car clubs including GaSCar, the Chevrolet Nomad Association and Classic Chevy.
Proud of his family ancestry, he was a life member of the Georgia Salzburger Society and also enjoyed membership in First Families of Georgia and The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Mr. Helmly is survived by his children, Cheryl Helmly Kyser of Augusta, Richard Wheeler "Tres" Helmly (Danielle) and Wayne Lanier Helmly (Joseph Froneberger) both of Charleston, SC; grandchildren, James Benjamin "Jay" Kyser III (Joanna) of Atlanta and Dalton Michael Helmly of Charleston, SC; great grandchildren, Isabelle Ellison Kyser and Chloe Kyser of Atlanta; his brother, William Hemrick Helmly (Sandra); brothers-in-law Edward Oetjen, Richard Still and Terald Still, along with a host of nieces and nephews. He cherished his many friends, especially the members of the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out).
In addition to his wife and parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Bettye Helmly Oetjen and his son-in-law, James Benjamin Kyser, Jr.
The family extends their heart-felt love and gratitude to their friend, Ray Johnson, MD for his steadfast and excellent care for nearly 30 years.
No visitation is scheduled. Those desiring to attend the services are asked to meet at Westover Memorial Park on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that, memorials be made to The Augusta Warrior Project, 701 Greene Street, Augusta, GA 30901.