Bobby "Bob" Leonidas Helms

Bobby “Bob” Leonidas Helms, 84, passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025. He was born on September 17, 1940, in Union County, son of the late Clay Helms and Ruth Baucom Helms. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dean Mills Helms, his son, Tony Helms and siblings, Newell Helms, Colleen Cox and Barry Helms.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 21, 2025, in Union Grove Primitive Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will visit with friends and relatives from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM prior to the funeral.

Mr. Helms is survived by his daughter, Cindy Simpson (Jeffery) and son, Kevin Helms (Lynda); grandchildren, Maleah Meek (Jonathan), Brittany Rape (Greg), Payne Helms (Robyn), Patrick Helms (Kayla), Hunter Helms and Alex Helms; seven great-grandchildren, his friend and companion of 10 years, Jane Livingston, and numerous loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Bobby deeply loved his family and found his greatest joy in cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at countless sporting events over the years. A proud fan of the UNC Tar Heels, he never missed a chance to root for his team. Alongside his beloved late wife, Dean, he owned and operated a John Deere dealership for over 20 years, where he built lasting friendships and cherished his John Deere family. His Unionville and Piedmont communities respected him for his hard work, honesty, and unwavering dedication to annual fund raisers, school activities and sports—qualities that defined every part of his life. Bobby, “dad”, “Papa”, “Pops”, “Bob”, was an avid fisherman and he found peace on both fresh and salt water, but he was happiest with a fishing rod in hand, surf fishing with his family by his side.

In Lieu of Flowers - Please donate to the Union Grove Primitive Baptist Church’s Cemetery Fund. 308 Buford Short Cut Rd, Monroe, NC 28112.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to be entrusted to care for the Helms family.