Mr. Bernard Lamar Helton III, age 74, of Warthen peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at his residence. A graveside funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, September 14 at 3:00 P.M. in the Brownwood Cemetery of Sandersville. Steven Parsley will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service in the Cemetery.
Mr. Helton was a lifelong resident of Washington County, the son of the late B.L. Helton and the late Carolyn Thomas Helton. He was a 1966 graduate of the Washington County High School and attended the Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville. Bernard obtained a Machinist Degree from the South Georgia Technical College of Americus. Mr. Helton began a 36-year career at Thiele Kaolin Company in 1970, working as a Machinist and Buyer. In retirement, he assisted in safety practices for CVB Industrial. Bernard was a member of the Legacy Church of Tennille. Mr. Helton enjoyed fishing, gardening, raising golden grubs to share with others, and his cat, Lucy. He most cherished time spent with his family, watching grandchildren participate in sports and activities.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Linda Brantley Helton; children, Lamar Helton and wife Leah and Lacey H. Shepherd and husband Jay; grandchildren, A.J., Hattie, Ben, Andrew, and Jacob; sister, Anne Harris; brothers-in-law, Alfred Brantley and wife Patsy, J.M. Brantley, Les Brantley, Howard Brantley; sisters-in-law, Angela Helton, Catherine Adams, Louise Hutcheson and husband Frank, and Charlene Goss; special niece, Kat Neal; dear friend, Hugh English; and many nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made to the Legacy Church, P.O. Box 123, Tennille, Georgia 31089; to Freedom Fighters of Georgia, 2503 Breezy Hill Road, Davisboro, Georgia 31018; or to Mighty Man Ministries, 181 Old Fox Farm Road, Davisboro, Georgia 31018.
Online condolences may be expressed at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.