Willis Evans Helms

Willis Evans Helms, 81, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 2, 2022, after a heart attack. Born on May 3, 1941, in Lancaster, SC, to Olin and Frances Helms, he grew up on his parents’ farm and became known for racing his red and white 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. A multi-sport letterman, he was voted Most Athletic in his high school class of 1959. He captured the attention of cheerleader Betty Rochelle Blackmon, whom he later married in October 1961. They raised two sons, Evan and Josh, in Charlotte, NC. Willis spent much of his boys’ childhoods coaching their teams.

Willis retired in 1996 after more than three decades with AT&T, where he started as a lineman and advanced to a business systems consultant. He then worked for Wells Fargo as a telecommunications analyst through multiple company mergers until 2009. After his retirement, he enjoyed working for the Carolina Panthers on game days as a hospitality associate. As a certified Golfsmith clubmaker, he found satisfaction in assembling and repairing golf clubs for friends, family, and customers.

A patriotic American, Willis joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1963 and retired as a Master Sergeant in 2001. He served much of that time in the 108th training division at Ft. Jackson, SC, conducting basic and advanced infantry training. He was a member of the American Legion Post 208.

Later in life, he doted upon his four grandchildren, attended as many of their activities as he could, and never missed a chance to tell anyone how proud he was of them. Willis held onto his love for auto racing as a lifelong NASCAR fan. For many years, he volunteered as an Election Day poll worker and at the PGA tournament when it was hosted at the Quail Hollow Club. Recently, as a member of the choir at Waxhaw United Methodist Church, he expressed his love for Jesus Christ through song and worship.

Willis is survived by his devoted wife Rochelle Helms of 60 years; two sons, Evan and his wife Lisa, of Lancaster, SC, and their children Hunter and Dylan, and Josh and his wife, Kimberly, of Fairfax Station, VA, and their children Katherine and Anna; his sister, Nancy Helms of Quebec, Canada; and his cousin Lynda Kaperonis of Charlotte, NC.
He was predeceased by his parents.

Funeral services with military honors will be held at 5:00PM, Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Unity ARP Church, 3495 Unity Church Road, Lancaster, SC, 29720. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to Waxhaw United Methodist Church, 200 McDonald Street, Waxhaw, NC 28173.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Helms Family.