Robert Lee Helms

Robert “Bob” Helms was born January 30, 1931, in the close-knit community of Shady Grove on the outskirts of Arkadelphia. His parents Noble and Ida Buckley Helms were the proud parents of seven children. They taught their children the value of hard work, being honest, and having a great name. Those attributes were a few of the many characteristics of the modest and soft-spoken “Bob”.

He accepted Christ at a tender age at Shady Grove AME Church. His early childhood education began at Shady Grove School and he graduated from the historic Peake High School in 1951 where he played guard for the basketball team

On September 5, 1952, he enlisted into the United States Army. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, and the United Nations Service Medal. His most significant duty assignment was the 88th FA Battery (SLT) in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. He was honorably discharged on June 4, 1954.

When Bob met Betty, it seemed to be a match made in heaven and after a brief period of courtship, they were married on December 16, 1978. He took his role as a father seriously. He worked hard and made many sacrifices to take care of his family. His children were his pride and joy. He taught them to follow the golden rule --" treat others as they would want to be treated”.

He united with Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. W. T. Keaton. He was a loving father and family was everything to him. Bob possessed a strong work ethic and modeled the scripture 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "If anyone doesn't want to work, he shouldn't eat." Early in his life he began working in the pulpwood business and worked for various outfits including; Wallace Calloway, James Nelson, and Buddy Manning. He taught kindness, respect for self and others.

By all accounts he was a “jack of all trades”, but his passion was farming. He used his skilled hands to keep his farm in top-notch condition. He was a true farmer and when not working on the farm, he busied himself “thinking” about farming. He raised cows but was mostly known for his hogs. He lived a simple, uncomplicated life and enjoyed the pleasure of just being happy.

At the blessed age of 90, Robert passed peacefully in his home on Monday, February 15, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Millie Carter, Be Ethel Johnson, Alene Helms Myers, and Orwilda Helms Hill; and brothers, Edward Lee Helms and Carl F. Helms and a grandson he raised as a son, Jamaal Golden.

Because love is greater than death, he will be forever loved by his wife, Betty Helms; daughter, Claudetta (Terry) Golden of Arkadelphia, AR; sons, Levi (Cora) Garland of Arkadelphia, AR, George (Betty) Golden of Malvern, AR and Julius (Kathy) Golden of Gurdon, AR; special niece, Ida Brown; special nephews, Calvin Summerville and Jarvis Pitts; a special great-grandson, Richard “RJ” Sanders Jr.; seven grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren. He also leaves a host of sisters and brothers-in-law, other treasured families, and friends.

Walk-thru visitation will be Friday, February 26, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. Homegoing service will be shared on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Arkadelphia Rec Center in Feaster Park with Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., officiating. Interment will be in Shady Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Richard Sanders, Kenneth Golden, Kenneth McClure, Chad Davis, Julius Golden Jr., and Jarvis Pitts. Honorary pallbearers will be Willie Davis, Maurice Davis, Calvin Summerville, Charlie Davis, Charles Helms, Chris Pitts, and Eric Davis.