Sunday, September 9, 1951 - Sunday, April 2, 2023
A former well-known and highly respected educator, William Lamar Helms, 71, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at Bonifay Nursing and Rehab Center in Bonifay, Florida.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with Reverend Scott Byrd officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to his service. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Hill Church Cemetery.
Mr. Helms was born in Geneva County to Sarah Helen Clark Helms and the late Willie “Bud” Helms on September 9, 1951. He was a graduate of the Slocomb High School Class of 1969. He also graduated from Troy State University with an educational degree in history. Mr. Helms taught history at Northview High School in Dothan, Alabama, until his retirement. He then worked at Farley Nuclear Plant (Southern Company) in Ashford teaching classes. He finished his final ten-year teaching career at Houston Academy in Dothan, Alabama. He received many accolades during his teaching days. Lamar was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Slocomb and was an avid Alabama fan loving all sports, especially football.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Deborah Kay “Debbie” Bradshaw Helms, his father, the late Willie “Bud” Helms, and his father-in-law, Calvin Bradshaw.
He is survived by his mother, Sarah Helen Clark Helms; uncle, James Earl (Hazel) Clark of Lynn Haven, Florida; brother-in-law, Tony Bradshaw of Montgomery; and mother-in-law, Robbie Bradshaw of Slocomb; and numerous cousins on both sides and many friends.
Flowers will be accepted, or one may donate to his or her favorite charity in memory of William Lamar Helms. Special thanks to Providence Assisted Living in Ozark, Bonifay Nursing and Rehab Center in Bonifay, and Emerald Coast Hospice Care in Chipley.
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Add Your OwnMr Helms you will be missed!! One of my favorite teachers! Senior Trip wouldn’t have been the same without you. Class of ‘87 GO COUGARS!
Mr. Helms was a wonderful teacher who loved his students! Will be sadly missed.
I just read of Lamar’s passing. When I served as his precious mother’s Pastor in Slocomb, I was afforded the opportunity to spend time with Lamar and his wife Debbie. I remember his great sense of humor and passion for teaching. He was moving into his first retirement at that time at Northview High School. Great Man from a great family. May his legacy live on in the lives of the many students he touched through his caring and enthusiasm.
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