A.E. Helms

March 15, 1932 - September 1, 2015

Mr. Gene Helms, age 83, a resident of Chapel Hill, passed away Tuesday evening, September 1, 2015 at Glen Oaks Nursing Home in Shelbyville. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2015 at 3:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Garden of Eternity in Maury Memorial Gardens, adjacent to Heritage Funeral Home. Military honors will be provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Visitation will also be held on Friday, one hour prior to the service from 2:00 - 3:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Born on March 15, 1932 in Gastonia, North Carolina, Gene was the son of the late Gus and Ethel Helms. He served his country in the United States Army and then later joined the United States Navy. He worked in book binding for 48 years. Gene was a working man who enjoyed working on things and was dedicated to his job until he had to retire. He loved to hunt and fish until his health failed him and his was no longer able to do so. In the 1970s, he drove a racecar. He also loved his two poodles, Boo Boo and Angel. Overall, Gene had an eventful and happy life. He is survived by his son: Michael Darren Helms of Chapel Hill; daughter: Denise Dufrene of Hammons, Louisiana; and grandchildren: Michael Shane (Erika) Helms, Jeffrey Helms, Kelley Helms, Donita Helms, Roger Helms, Heather Helms, Samantha Dufrene, Cody Dufrene, and Chase Dufrene. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Rena Helms; and his son: Roger Helms.