Thomas W. Helms
December 14, 1932 - June 15, 2025 (Age 92)
Indian Trail – Mr. Thomas Washington Helms “Tom”, age 92, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
Tom was born in Union County on December 14, 1932 to the late Floyd Maxwell Helms and Cornelia Russell Helms. Tom was married to the late Mildred Lewis Helms (Mickey), and she preceded him in death on December 19, 2024. In addition, he was preceded in death by his sons - Jeffrey Thomas Helms, and Kelly Wayne Sipes; his sisters - Agnes Griffin, Roxie Thomas, Dorothy Phifer and Gennie Watkins; brother – Craven Helms; and half-brother – Onis Helms.
Tom and Mickey had a beautiful marriage and relationship based on their love for God and each other. They were faithful members of Cokesbury United Methodist Church where they both shared many roles and positions within the church. Tom’s entire career was printing related, starting with Theatrical Printers in Charlotte, printing documents and other valuable information during his time spent in the U. S. Army, back home to Delmar Printing, Heidelberg Industries, and then to his own business - Tommy Helms Press Repairs, where he specialized in breaking down and moving presses all over the country. He was proud of his time spent in the Army and was awarded the Good Conduct Metal, National Defense Service Metal, and the Army Occupation Medal.
Tom’s passion was classic cars; buying, restoring and showing his cars at Auto Fairs and cruise ins everywhere. Some of his restorations have been featured in magazines, and he will be well remembered by the members of the Late Great Chevy, Hornet’s Nest Region, AACA Car Club, where he has been a long-time member.
Tom will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory, in addition to his sister, Juanita Aldridge, are his caregiver and niece, Lillian (Lynn) Traywick, and numerous other nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Cokesbury United Methodist Church, 6701 Idlewild Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212 on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor John Moore, and Rev. Gary Waters officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service in the Church Sanctuary. Burial will follow immediately after the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227.
The family requests that memorials be made to Cokesbury United Methodist Church Discretionary Fund, 6701 Idlewild Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212.