Obituary of Coy Helms

William Coy Helms, 92, husband of the late Bobbie Jean McGuirt Helms, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

Mr. Helms was born in Waxhaw, NC to the late Henry Houston Helms, Sr. and Maude Estelle McManus Helms.  He was a member of Edwards Road Baptist Church.  Coy was a faithful church member who served in various roles including as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the founder of Lift Truck Services and Fork Lift Parts, Inc. 

Coy was a lifetime member of the International Optimists Club and an OASIS Shriner.  He was a believer and anonymous supporter of many humanitarian causes, including the distribution of medical equipment and clothing to needy communities around the globe.  Coy served many years as the promoter for the Golden Gloves Boxing Commission.  He enjoyed saltwater fishing and collecting antique bottles.

Surviving are two sons, Tim Helms and Hal Helms with wife Robin; two daughters, Donna Thompson with husband Jimmy, and Annette Helms; a brother, Johnny Helms; a sister, Zell Emory; and five grandchildren, Brandy Thompson, Elliot Helms, Addison Helms, Riley Helms, and Emily Helms.  He was predeceased by three brothers, Clegg Helms, H.H. “Skee” Helms, Jr., and L.E. Helms; and three sisters, Jean Wooten, Faye Bragg, and Sarah Lee Jones.

Funeral services will be private.

In Coy’s honor, please make memorials by check to International Mission Board, Office of Development, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230; or online at www.imb.org using the following method…on the main page, click GIVE NOW in the top right.  Next, click ONE-TIME, then enter the amount and choose WHERE DO YOU WANT YOUR GIFT TO GO, then click MISSIONARY OR TEAM, then click MISSIONARY NAME Annette Helms.  Click GIVE and then enter credit card information.