Brian Tyrone Helms was born to the union of Henry A. Helms, Sr., and Annie Williams Helms on October 7, 1956 in Compton, California. Brian was an active and lively child who was raised in a Christian home. He was baptized at True Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Compton under the leadership of Rev. Wade. His mother was the pianist at True Faith during that time and she made sure her children experienced Sunday school and Sunday morning worship.
He grew up in Compton and played flag football with the neighborhood football team. He attended school in the Compton Unified School District and was a 1974 graduate of Compton High School. There he excelled as a student and was on the wrestling team. He busied himself being a “ladies’ man” and building lasting friendships with other students. Brian loved music, fishing, crunchy tacos and sports. Brian was known for training dogs and homing pigeons. His dream was to be a marine. He later enlisted into the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged.
Brian worked as a delivery driver. His height and stature could be intimidating, but those who knew him understood his “gentle giant” nature. He moved to Courtyard Gardens and made new acquaintances. His trademark smile warmed the hearts of the residents and staff. He was known to always be on the hustle for a coke and cigarettes. He enjoyed participating in the activities that Courtyard offered and they truly made him feel at home.
Just three days prior to his 62nd birthday he surrendered his soul on Thursday, October 4, 2018 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his mother, Annie E. Helms (December 13, 2017); his brother, Gary L. Helms (January 6, 1992); a nephew, Tremaine Helms (April 3, 1994); a sister-in-law, Catrenia Helms (September 5, 2001).
Brian’s leaves his family to include his father, Henry A. Helms, Sr; his siblings, Gwendolyn Hoxey, Henry A. “Al” Helms, Jr., Kim A. Helms, and Pamela V. Helms; nephews, Lamont Hoxey, Andre Hoxey, Armen Hoxey, Damien (Sheri) Helms, Christopher Helms, Keiron Helms and Roland L. Gosey; great nieces & nephews, Jordan Helms, DeAndre Helms, Travon Helms, LaShara Martin and Alexandria Hoxey; great-great-nephew, Kamari R. Baugh; aunts, Veronica (Billy) Easter and Erma J. Andrews; uncles, Joshua Williams, Charles Ray (Tara) Williams, Logan (Linda) Williams, Tommy (Wanda) Williams, Billy (Nora) Henderson and Clyde (Pat) Henderson; a great-uncle, Samuel Clayborn. He also leaves a cadre of cousins, friends and the Courtyard Gardens family.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist with Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., officiating. Interment will be at Piney Grove Cemetery with military honors.
Honorary Pallbearers will be the administration and staff at Courtyard Gardens.