Don Helms

Conway… Donald Wray Helms, age 82, passed away Friday, March 31, 2023. Mr. Helms was born in Charlotte, NC a son of the late Wiley Wray Helms and the late Mary Myrtle Skipper Helms Lyerly. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a brother, John Lyerly. Mr. Helms grew up in Horry County and graduated Conway High School in 1958. He furthered his education at Clemson University majoring in Civil Engineering and graduated in 1965. He served six years in the Army, eight years working with the Federal Highway Administration, worked in Construction and Real Estate, and was President and owner of Helms Realty for fifty years. Mr. Helms served twenty-five years of dedicated service on the Horry County Planning Commission, where he was Chairman for twenty years. He was recognized for his service by the South Carolina Senate and the South Carolina House of Representatives. During his service the commission developed subdivision regulations, zoning ordinances, comprehensive plans, land development regulations, revision of the planned unit development standards, open space standards and other policies on growth issues. He was on the Horry County Board of Realtors, HGTC Advisory Board and Conway Rotary Club (Distinguished Service Award, 1993). Mr. Helms was appointed by the Governor to Horry Georgetown Technical College Commission in 2007 where he served sixteen years. Don was a member of First Baptist Church where he was baptized in 1945 and served as a Deacon. He was president of the Sidney Floyd Sunday School class for over 40 years. He was an avid golfer and Clemson Fan. He loved all sports and especially Clemson football. He was a IPTAY Representative for over forty years. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Betsy Helms of Conway; one daughter, Beth Helms of Conway; one son, David Helms (Kathy) of Chapin; one grandson, Hunter Helms; and two brothers, Terry Helms (Barri) of Charlotte, NC and Al Lyerly (Jennifer) of Columbia. The family will receive friends Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM Sunday, April 2, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Conway with Rev. Rocky Taylor and Rev. Scott Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Please sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Don Helms

September 16, 1940 - March 31, 2023