Robert “Bob” Mason Helms, 79, formerly of Bolar, passed away on Thursday, September 27, 2018, at the Highland House in Clifton Forge, Virginia. Bob was born in Washington, D.C. on May 8, 1939 to the late Robert McAvoy Helms, of Bolar, and Evelyn Harden.
After serving with the Army National Guard of Maryland, Bob, following in his father’s footsteps, pursued a career as an auto mechanic, spending over 20 years working in car dealerships in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. In the early 1980’s, Bob and his wife, Dolores, a registered nurse, moved to Little Valley in Bath County. Little Valley had always been a special place for Bob, being not only the area where his dad had grown up, but also a central and important part of his own childhood, having spent many summers there his grandparents, Richie Burns Helms and Robert Q. Helms at their home on the family farm. After moving to Little Valley, Bob opened his own car repair shop in Warm Springs which he owned and operated for 20 years. He loved the work and loved his customers.
Bob is survived by a daughter and a son from his first marriage, Bobbi Jean Helms Scherl of Maryland, and Douglas Helms, also of Maryland; a step-son, Mark Koczak & wife Jan of New Castle, Delaware; a granddaughter; a great grandson; and numerous cousins.
A memorial service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home with Pastor Lorrie Aikens officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bolar Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Kim Rexrode, 21271 Sam Snead Highway, Warm Springs, Virginia 24484
I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, unfortunately too late to attend his service. Some of my family and Bob went to a NASCAR race together, I will never forget that trip. Bob had us laughing all the way there and back, it was so much fun having him with us. God bless his wonderful soul and grant peace to his family.