Many of us who played basketball for Mr. Hellums in the late 80’s and early 90’s consider his influence to be instrumental to our later success.  We are a group of professional women who call ourselves mothers, friends, and sisters because we learned so much about life from Mr. Hellums.  He taught us that you can’t roller skate through a buffalo herd, that the only monkey in the mirror was ourselves, that fun runs were so much more about life than running, and that with repetition along came the conviction that we could achieve anything.  We lived to please Mr. Hellums and when we let him down he let us know only to teach us that together we could be so much better than alone.  Many of our lifelong friendships were formed on the court that Mr. Hellums taught us to revere and respect.  He would accept no less and so throughout life we learned that we ourselves should accept nothing less than what we deserve.  For some it came easy and early and for others over time and through some hardships.  Nevertheless the lessons we learned on the court, with Mr. Hellums as father figure, mentor, and guide, are central to our lives to this day.  

We leave our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Our Love,

The Fat and Uglies
Meadow H. Kara M. Jamie S., Mary C., Kenzie E., Dana O., Tori N., Michelle M., Debbie W., Julia M., Jolie A.., & the many others who played for Mr. Hellums

Bob, aka poppa Hellums, was the best poppa (former father in law), ever. He lived his life on his terms. He loved to laugh, he loved life and playing his trombone. Most of all he loved his family. 
You will be missed poppa.
Love you, 
Kat

Dear Danelle, 

Saw Bob's Obituary in the paper this morning.  Sorry we have lost contact over the years. I remember going to your beautiful wedding,  It sounds like you had many happy years together! 

Nancy  Decker Bidwell Hodges

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OBITUARY

Robert Ray Hellums

August 9, 1937 – May 2, 2022

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