Marion Helms

Tupelo--Marion Stacy Helms, 83, passed away Monday, January 12, 2009, at the Meadows, in Fulton. He was born May 19, 1925, in Tupelo, son of Ezell and Sarchie Lou Helms. He was a lifelong resident of Tupelo. He was the widower of Mary Margaret Helms, whom he married October 6, 1946.

He retired from Maislin-Gateway Transportation Company. He served in the US Army, November 12, 1943 thru March 12, 1946. While in the Army, he received the Purple Heart, was awarded the Bronze Star and the World War II Victory Medal in July, 1944. He served as escort for General Dwight D. Eisenhower and General George Patton.

Mr. Helms was a member of the East Heights Baptist Church and a charter member of the Gumtree Civitan Club where he served as its first president.

Services will be at 11:00 am Thursday at East Heights Baptist Church in Tupelo. The Reverend James Richardson, Chaplain at North Mississippi Medical Center and Bro. Jason Marlin, East Heights Baptist Church, will officiate. A graveside service will follow at Lee Memorial Park. W. E. Pegues Funeral directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include two daughters, Vicki Helms Carter (Ron Carter) of East Orange, N.J., and Lulu Helms Stribling (Carroll Stribling) of St. Louis, Mo.; two grandchildren, Logan Ballard Carter of New York, N.Y., and James Andrew Robsham of Los Angeles, Calif. He is also survived by his twin brother, Aaron Helms of Plantersville, MS.

He was preceded in death by his dear wife of 61 years, Margaret Helms who passed away July 23, 2008.

Pallbearers will be Joe Cash, Andy Davis, Jonny Davis, Roger Davis, Will Davis, Buddy Palmer, Nick Humber, and Randy McCoy.

Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made as contributions to the Gumtree Civitan Clubs Frank Raines Memorial Scholarship Fund which provides monies for low- to middle-income students to attend college. Mail to Memorial, PO Box 499, Tupelo, MS. 38802.