Walter Buck Royce Helms

Buck was married for 63 years to Ruth D. Helms, whom he dearly loved and steadfastly stayed by her sided taking care of her during her lengthy final illness. After the loss of his first love, he was blessed to meet and is survived by his second love, Ruth Haigler.

Buck had a long and happy life with his beloved "Ruths", playing golf, fishing, traveling extensively with friends and enjoying a successful career with Davey Tree Company. When he was not on the golf course, he could be found working in his beautiful yard.

Buck's career with Davey Tree Company began in 1939 until 1979 when he retired as Regional Safety Director. His tenure with Davey was interrupted by his service in the Navy during World War II from 1942 to 1945. He retired at age 60 to play more golf and as he got up into his 80s and 90s, he often said he would have worked longer if he had only known he was going to live such a long time.

Buck was preceded in death by an infant son; father, Walter S. Helms; mother, Myrtle C. Helms; sister, Jessica H. Gray; brother, T. Jerrold Helms; and nephew, Herman B. "Pete" Stutts.

Buck is survived by his brother, Charles Herbert Helms (Ida); nephews, Anthony C. Gray (Rusty) and Timothy J. Gray (Gail); nieces, Joy Dahn Helms and Cheryl H. Logan (Tim) and dear cousins, Nelda G. Knight and Martha S. Hallock. Buck leaves behind many grandnieces and grand nephews who will miss him terribly.

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 12, 2016 at McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park, beginning at 10:00 AM. A funeral service celebrating the life of Buck will be held in the Chapel of McEwen Funeral Service at 11:00AM with Chaplain Bill Burns officiating.

Honorary pallbearers are Anthony Gray, Timothy Gray, Matthew Mahoney, Kenneth Tyson, Dr. Al Hudson and Jack Hudson.

The family wishes to thank Buck's Hospice Care Team: Nanette Norman, Dan Morris and the Rev. Becky Holmes. The family also wishes to express its gratitude to the staff of Brookdale South Park for its care and support of Buck during his final months and requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, 1420 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.

McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Helms and his family. Condolences may be sent to the family online at http://www.mcewenfs.com