William Larry Helms, 84, died Thursday, August 1, 2024, at his residence.
Born April 4, 1940, in Charlotte, NC, he was a son of the late Richard Felix Helms and the late Estelle King Helms. He was a 1958 graduate of East Mecklenburg High School and a 1960 graduate of King’s Business College, both in Charlotte. Spending 58 years in the automotive service industry, he was the owner and operator of Larry’s Radiator and Coolant Technologies. Through his companies, he was a pioneer in coolant and antifreeze recycling with an emphasis on environmental safety. As an entrepreneur, he invested in numerous other businesses and became a licensed broker and realtor in 1982. His incredible work ethic was a testament to his parents and his indelible spirit of optimism and persistence.
During his life, Larry was a member of Shriners International, Scottish Rite Masons, the National Radiator Association, and the North Carolina Board of Realtors. He participated and sponsored teams in the Brunswick-AMF Bowling League at Coliseum Lanes in Charlotte. To unwind, he enjoyed eating ice cream, pruning his rose bushes, listening to music of the 50’s and 60’s, golfing, and dancing. He fully retired to Shallotte, NC in 2016, joining the Ocean Isle Shag Club and spending many nights at Maxwell’s in Little River. No matter where he went or what crowd he was with, Larry was admired for his humor, rhythm, and wisdom.
Other than his children, Larry considered his greatest personal accomplishment to be achieving sobriety at age 35 and remaining sober for 49 years. Shortly after his recovery, he dove into the work of Alcoholics Anonymous for many years, counseling and personally sponsoring others on their journey. He played a major role in the progress of the original Charlotte Treatment Center. His experience with the Twelve-Steps cemented his passion for studying religion and philosophy. Larry believed profoundly in the power of the positive mind, based on the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emmett Fox, Ernest Holmes, and Joseph Campbell. He would give away copies of his favorite books to anyone who needed them, including As a Man Thinketh and Jonathan Livingston Seagull. The music of Neil Diamond became the soundtrack of his life.
Larry spent a lifetime cultivating relationships that became his true wealth. His support and wisdom impacted countless people, friends, and family. He gave the gifts of service and value to everyone he encountered. He is survived by a son, Curtiss Helms (Kristin) of Matthews, NC; daughter, Dr. Lisa Justice (Mark) of Manning; their mother, Carolyn Allen, also of Manning; brother, Ronnie Helms (Sara) of Charlotte, NC; sister, Beverly (Sheldon) Hanft also of Charlotte; step-son, Steve Phillips (Donna) of Lenoir, NC; step-daughter, Tammy Bowles of Charleston, SC; their mother, Jewell Helms, also of Lenoir; grandchildren: Kirstie Helms, Cody Justice, Grayson Helms, Parker Helms, Hayes Helms, Brad Justice, Travis Justice, Nicolette Payne, Caroline Phillips, and Brooke Bowles; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Lorretta Washam and Mary Hicks.
In honor of his life, Larry’s family requests memorials be made to two causes very important to him: the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org) and John’s Place through the John Landon Black Foundation in Manning (jlblackfoundation.org). To send checks, please see the websites of these organizations; online donations are also accepted.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date in Charlotte, NC.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
