Ronnie Lee Helton, age 61, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, October 13th, 2010 at V A Medical Center in Asheville, NC. He was born October 17, 1948 in Cherokee County, NC to the late Calvin and Billie Orton Helton.
He was a US Army Veteran serving in Vietnam War 11th Calv/Infantry/Combat 1968 & 1969 where he received Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Marksmanship (Rifle) Badge and two Purple Hearts.He had worked twenty- four years at Tenn. Chemical Company in Copperhill.
Mr. Helton was a member and Deacon at Simmonds Chapel Baptist Church and was an outdoors man who enjoyed working with cattle, goats, tractors and pulpwood . He loved spending time with his grandchildren and playing checkers. He had a good sense of humor, always ready with a joke for family and friends.
He was preceded in death by sister, Lisa Mull.
Survivors include his wife of forty- one years Joan Golden Helton, his daughter Kim (Edwin) Patterson . He is survived and fondly remembered by his grandchildren Emily and Eli Patterson. One brother, Harold Helton and wife Debbie of Murphy; two sisters, Linda Garrett and husband Dennis of Dalton, GA and Brenda Smith and husband Bob of Murphy. Also numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, Oct. 16 at 2:00 PM from the Cochran Funeral Home in Murphy, NC with Rev. Ned Golden, Rev. Warren Golden and Rev. Allen Harris officiating. Music will be by the Golden Family and Allen Harris. Interment will follow in the Bell Hill Cemetery with Military Honors by Murphy VFW Post 10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post 96 and DAV Chapter 73 and Clay County VFW Post 6812. The following gentleman have been ask to serve as pallbearers, Dustin Golden, Joseph Simonds, Dakota Curtis, Cody Golden, Kevin Garrett and Andy Graham. The following have been ask to serve as honorary Pallbearers, Marvin Garland, Gary Dillard and Charles Carswell.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
You can send condolences and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhome.com