Steven L. Helms

Steven L. Helms, age 58 of Boones Mill and known to many as Uncle Steve, Homesey, Homer T., Colonel and Tybee passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, November 28, 2014 after a yearlong battle with cancer. Steve was born June 13, 1956 a son of the late Lt. Col. George J. and Adelaide Hartfelder Helms. He graduated from Franklin County High School in 1975 and received a Civil Engineering Degree from Virginia Western Community College in 1979. Uncle Steve was known for lots of things which are too numerous to list but he will be well remembered for being a man that was the “Jack” of ALL trades. Being an everyday handyman made him a very happy and proud person. There was nothing he could not do. He built his own home which is underground and where he made his home, he was an avid outdoorsman loving the land all around Boones Mill, enjoying and knowing how to find the perfect mushroom or the arrowheads he collected. One of his true passions in life was the ability and joy to help others. Whether it be cooking up some great food or making a repair at someone’s home, his craftsmanship and good deeds clearly spoke high volumes of his God given talents. Upon learning of his illness, Steve only had one wish in which he wanted to carry out. It was his desire to return to his birth place of Ft. Lewis, Washington. And with the thanks of family members and many friends for their love and support, his wish was granted in July of this year. Along with his wife and son, he was able to make that trip across the country and visit his birth place, a trip that put and kept a smile on his face, a trip he would never forget. Thanks to everyone for making the dream a reality. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife’s parents, David and Betty Jean Helton; and a brother-in-law, Richard Helton. He is survived by his loving wife and companion of 29 years, Valerie (Gigi) Helms; his loving son and miracle child, Colby Tazewell Helms, Steve’s pride and joy in life; sisters and brother, Georgiana Chrisman (Keith), John Helms (Joyce), Addie Lang (Dick), Connie Blair (Andy), all of Boones Mill; numerous nieces and nephews including his special nephew Matthew Conklin who worked side by side with him for 16 years; brother-in-law, Timothy D. Helton, MD (Amy), Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by his “little black mama” Earnestine Webb (Granny Tine). A very special thanks to Bethany Christian Church for all of the many acts of kindness shown throughout his illness, and to Drs. Temeles and Beahm for their unending care and dedication and the many caregivers including Dianna Olinger for her many sleepless nights. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount (Route 220 @ Wirtz Road) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the service following the visitation at 6 p.m. with Pastor Elaine Austin officiating. Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, Rocky Mount. www.connerbowman.com (540)334-5151