Richard D. “Dick” Helman

Age 77, of Moore, South Carolina, formerly of Lansing, Michigan, passed away October 17, 2018, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was born October 25, 1940, in Ithaca, Michigan, to the late Rexford and Buelah (DeLisle) Helman.

Dick was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Saratoga. He moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1983 with IBM, and retired in 1994. After his retirement he volunteered at the Carnivore Preservation Trust in Pittsboro, North Carolina for several years. Dick was active in the Vineyard Church in Raleigh in the music ministry and food bank until 2011.  He had a real passion for helping others.  He enjoyed playing guitar, working on cars, spending time with his family and was good at fixing anything.

Dick is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marlene (Dietrick) Helman; daughters, Michelle (Michael) Estes and Renee Sonney; grandchildren, Andrew Estes of Moore, SC, Stephen Estes of Boiling Springs, SC, Rexford Marsh of Phoenix, AZ, Raymond Sonney of Moore, SC, Dane Marsh of Moore, SC, Jacob Sonney of Pittsboro, NC, and Michael Estes III of Moore, SC; a brother, Raymond Helman, of Midland, MI; and a sister, Lucille Norton of Nashua, N.H.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister-in-law, Gail Helman; and brothers-in-law, Daniel Norton, Edgar Fosnight, and Duane Dietrick.

There will be a memorial service held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel. Visitation at 10 a.m. preceding the service. Memorial donations may be made to your local hospice or local food bank.

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7 Messages to “Richard D. “Dick” Helman

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Diane M Norris
October 22, 2018 at 11:22 am

We will miss you Uncle Dick. You were hands and feet of Jesus here on this earth. Thank you for all you have been to Kurt and I and so many others.
Much love, Kurt and Diane

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Robert Soots
October 22, 2018 at 1:53 pm

Rick was a great neighbor and a good friend. He and I spent a lot of time discussing computer and internet technology. He was my primary source for how to fix things. He will be missed very much.

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Hershell and Kay Ball
October 22, 2018 at 9:27 pm

Rick Great neighbor lovely friend. Marlene I miss you all. Our walks and talks. Michelle and Renee what lovely girls you are. Please know our prayers/thoughts are out for you and yours. I actually volunteer at a great food bank and we have a wonderful hospice facility in Salisbury NC. We are pleased to make a donation in honor/memory of our good friend and neighbor Richard Helman. With love and Blessings to you all Hershell and Kay

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Debbie Norton
October 23, 2018 at 10:18 am

Remembering a lot of times in MI – memories that bring a love back to my heart from Uncle Dick and his entire family – thank you.

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Russ and Jill Spruance
October 23, 2018 at 6:40 pm

Rick was a great neighbor and a great guy. He spent many hours helping Jill and me with numerous repairs at our house. We will miss him tremendously. Our deepest sympathies to Martie and his family.

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Katy Sedgwick
October 24, 2018 at 11:53 am

My love goes out to All of you. Thanks for being so generous in sharing Dick with so many of us. Words cannot express how much this kind and wonderful person touched and positively influenced my life. He was a dad and big brother to me. Better neighbors I could not have chosen for the 21 years we resided next to each other. Love, sympathy, and yes…celebration I send to the Helman ladies and their families. May you find peace, smiles, and happiness in the beautiful memories you hold of your life with Dick. Mine are some of my most precious treasures. Love you all very much; and am holding you in my heart, prayers, and affirmations.

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Jeff jenkins
October 25, 2018 at 2:14 pm

I would like to send my condolences out to Mrs Helman, daughters Michelle and Renee and there families, even though I was only around him for a short time, he was a big influence on me, he treated me as an equal when most wouldn’t, he helped me with my problems when he didn’t have to, everyone that I knew that met him thought he was amazing , next to my dad he has had the most influence on my life, as long as I live I will always remember him

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