Michael G Helmick

Michael G. Helmick II, 45, a loving and devoted husband and father, passed away on November 9, 2021 with his wife, Karrie, mother, Cindy and aunt Roseann by his side. He was born on April 7, 1976 in Morgantown, West Virginia. Michael is survived by his wife, Karrie; daughter, Cheryssa and son, Drake; mother, Cindy (Yoke) Glaser; stepfather, Gary Glaser and brother, Bobby Graham; mother in-law, Kathy Yates and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his father, Robert “Bob” Graham and father in-law, Ed Yates. Michael attended Preston High School in Kingwood, West Virginia, graduated from the Community College of the Air Force with his Associate Degree in Transportation Management and earned his Bachelor Degree in Management Information Systems from Wayland Baptist University (WBU). While at WBU, Michael made the Dean’s List and the President’s List. He recently retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs where he worked as an I.T. Specialist since 2010.

Michael, a combat veteran of the United States Air Force, proudly served his country for 15 years. He retired as a Technical Sergeant in 2009. Michael was seriously injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while on a convoy in Mosul, Iraq, on August 29, 2004. Airman 1st Class Carl “CJ” Anderson was killed and Airman 1st Class Jacob Sutton had also been injured. Michael was recognized for his honorable service with a Purple Heart, 2 Air Force Commendation Medals and Army Commendation Medal, among many other awards.

While stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, he met his wife, Karrie. They married on October 31, 2006. Michael was an avid video gamer with an impressive collection of numerous games, gaming systems and collectibles. Michael loved to shark fish, ride his motorcycles, paddle board and go camping with his family in his RV. He also enjoyed creating content for his YouTube channel, Repvile. Michael had a huge heart and loved animals. Michael’s life may have been cut short, but he left his family with enough memories to last a lifetime.

It is his wish not to have a formal service. The family will have a personal memorial at a later date and will notify friends and family.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street North, Seminole, Florida 33776 / 727-391-0121.