Frank Helton Sr.

Wilson Frank Helton, Sr., formerly of 304 College Avenue, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 14th with family at his side, at Peak Resources of Shelby.
A native of Cleveland County, he was born on June 22, 1929, the son of the late John W. and Blonn Sisk Helton. With the exception of an eight year period when they resided in Albany, Georgia, he and his late wife had been members of Calvary Baptist since the late 1940s.He was the retired owner of The Village Pantry on College Avenue, former Vice President and Plant Manager of Worth Textiles, division of Lehigh Valley Industries, in Sylvester, Georgia, and Plant Superintendent of Dora Knitting, division of Dover Textiles. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather who would do anything for his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Esther Jean Helton; brothers John, Edwin, and Don; and sister Barbara.
He is survived by sons; Frank Helton, Jr. and wife Gloria of Shelby and David Lee Helton of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; daughter, Carol Kendrick and husband Phil of Shelby; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Helton, Heather Walton and husband Matt, Stephen Helton and wife Tori, Kristin Blanton and husband Brinson, Jerica Helton, Haley Treiber and husband Ross, and Kyle Kendrick; five great grandchildren, Knox Walton, Hannah Helton, Joshua Solomon, Kariana Lee and Kendall Lee, sister Mary Hill of Forest City, and special member of the family Gail Helton.
Frank graduated from Lattimore High School. He received a diploma from National Business College and attended Gardner-Webb College and Presbyterian College. He served in the US Navy on the USS Toledo, being honorably discharged with a World War II Victory medal.
In 1968 he took up the game of golf, joining the Royster Golf Association. In 1969 he was voted The Most Improved Player by the Royster Golf Association.
Jesus Christ, speaking to his disciples, once said “Greater love hath no man than this, to lay down his life for his friends. This is essentially what Frank did when he sold The Village Pantry, retired, and became the sole caregiver for over 25 years for his wife Esther Jean, totally disabled by multiple sclerosis. She was the love of his life and all he ever asked was to be able to live one day longer than her.
The family would like to thank the wonderful people from Helping Hands and Carillon Assisted Living. In addition, special thanks for the late Dr. Bobby Jones and his staff at Caromont, who did such an excellent job of managing Frank and Jean's healthcare for over thirty years. And a very special thank you to the compassionate and professional people at Peak Resources and Hospice.
Visitation: The family will receive friends, Wednesday, April 17th from 1:00-2:00 pm at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby, and other times at the home of Frank and Gloria Helton, 100 Albertville Lane, Shelby (Homestead Subdivision, Boiling Springs).
Family Graveside Funeral Service: 2:30 PM at Cleveland Memorial Park
Officiating: Rev. David Rabb
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 9801-I Southern Pine Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273, Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150 , American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Ave., Charlotte, NC 28207 or Calvary Baptist Church, 320 Old Boiling Springs Rd., Shelby, NC 28152
Funeral Home: Clay Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby