Helen "Hecky" Wiles Bumgarner

Helen "Hecky" Wiles Bumgarner, 89, of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023. Born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Marvin Theodore and Grace Florence (Holland) Wiles. She married Henry Ray Bumgarner August 23,1950 in North Wilkesboro.

She was a former member of Statesville Avenue Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Supply, NC and currently a member of Durham Memorial Baptist Church since 2001. She was also a lifetime member of Auxiliary VFW 8866 in Holden Beach, North Carolina.

Helen and her husband owned and operated Ray's Mobile Truck Repair where she was the operations manager. Prior to that, she was employed at Russells Hosiery Mill in Star, North Carolina.

This "Sassy Little Spitfire" enjoyed reading her bible, singing in her church choir, cooking for her family, baking, gardening, traveling, beachcombing for olive shells and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Great Nanny also enjoyed special visits from her grandpups.

Helen was married to the love of her life, Ray Bumgarner from the tender age of 15. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage before his death. Together they enjoyed dancing, in fact they received lessons from Fred Astaire where they went on to compete in dance competitions, receiving numerous awards for many years.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Janet (Greg) Kopsch, Phyllis (Paul) Merritt, Rena Thompson and Marvin (Kim) Bumgarner; grandchildren, Nick (Ester) Howell, Emily (Steve) Hernandez, Heather (Ryan) Bruce, Mandie Cornwell, Jesse (Cynthia) Merritt, Cassie (Greg) Gebler, Candice Thompson, Justin (Jessica) Bumgarner, Hailey (Andrew) Deese and Hollie (Marshall) Cooley; great-grandchildren, Sydney, Alex, Chloe, Calvin, Kennedy, Noah, Madi, Levi, Cohlin, Alexandria, Bailey, Averly, Addison, Andie, Beau and Maggie; sister, Nancy Allen; brother, Doug (Rita) Wiles; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; parents, son, Bobby Bumgarner; grandsons, Anthony "Tony" Thompson, Marvin "Bubba" Bumgarner and Lee Cornwell, along with 10 brothers and sisters.

Special thanks to Lincoln Palliative Care (Lauren Chandler) and the nursing staff of Stanley Total Living Center for the loving care given to Helen.

A Celebration of Helen's Life will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, January 5, 2024 at Durham Memorial Baptist Church, 1601 Toddville Road, Charlotte, NC. Visitation 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Burial in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's honor to Durham Memorial Baptist, 1601 Toddville Road, Charlotte, NC 28214.