Henry Harrison Helton Jr.

Henry H. Helton. Jr, passed away Sunday May 7, 2017. He was 84 years old, born in Albany, Georgia April 2, 1933 to Henry H. Sr. and Lenora Helton. He went to public school In Albany. He was active in all sports and was very active in Boy Scouts. He obtained the highest rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating from high school, Henry joined the US Army. During his 3 years in the military he obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He was discharged from the Army to enroll at West Georgia College, now the University of West Georgia, where he met Geraldine “Gere” Threlkeld who became his wife in 1957. West Georgia was always a special place to them. They were honored to become lifetime members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

He went on to Florida State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree. He began his career with the Young Men’s Christian Association in his home town of Albany, Georgia. From there he served the YMCA in seven different locations in four states. While in Atlanta he received his Master’s Degree in Education from Georgia State University. He retired from the YMCA after 33 years of service.

He was able to teach at Appalachian State University. He taught Program Development and Leadership Dynamics. He received the honor as “Faculty of the Year”. During this time, he got involved with the City of Claremont as chairman of the Claremont Centennial. With that experience, he became the Special Events Coordinator for the City of Claremont. He served in that position for 20 years. At age 81 he retired again. He was involved with the SPA Athletic Club in Hickory where he taught a water exercise class until six months prior to his death. He was also involved in several committees around Catawba County.

Henry was a man of deep faith. His favorite churches being the churches in and around Claremont. Passing before Henry was his father, mother and sister Dorothy Helton Mock. He is survived by his wife, Gere T. Helton; two sons, Henry H. Helton III and his wife Tamara, Michael E. Helton and his girlfriend Krystal Greene; step-granddaughter Zoe Martin; his Aunt, Bertha Lyle and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Thursday May11 from 4 pm to 6pm at Willis Reynolds Funeral Home in Newton. A memorial service will be held on Friday May12 at 2 pm in the chapel of Willis Reynolds Funeral Home in Newton with Rev. Dennis Richards of First Baptist Church in Claremont, Rev. Mike Daughtrey of Woodlawn Baptist Church and Rev. Peggy Stout of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ officiating. In lieu of flowers please send a memorial in Henry’s name to any church or charity of your choice.