Thomas Ray “Tommy” Helms Jr., 77, passed away on Thursday February 3, 2022. He was born in Gaston County, son of the late Thomas Ray Helms Sr. and Telitha James Helms. He attended Catawba Heights Baptist Church. He worked for his father at Helms Construction for 30 years. Tommy then went to work for Carolina Golf Cars from 1985-1995. He opened Golf Cars of Lake Norman in 1996 where he retired in 2008. During his younger years he enjoyed drag racing and was a certified single and twin engine pilot. Later he became a Harley Davidson enthusiast where he enjoyed riding with his family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman, where loved spending time boating, hunting, fishing and being with his family at the lake, beach or mountains.

He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years Kitty Helms, 2 sons Tommy Helms and wife Kelly of Mount Holly, Brad Helms and wife Christina of Belmont, a grandson Noah Helms, 2 sisters Gloria Horton (Eli) and Rachel Cassada (Galen), and numerous extended family.

A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Helms will be held 4:00pm Tuesday February 8, 2022 at Catawba Heights Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church until 5:30.

Memorials may be made to Catawba Heights Baptist Church or to the Michael J. Fox Parkinsons Foundation.

Painter Funeral and Cremation is serving the Helms family.

 www.painterfuneral.com