By Staff
Robert Leroy Helton
ATMORE – Mr. Robert Leroy Helton, 88, of Atmore died Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007 in Atmore. Retired owner of Helton's Tire and Appliance, born in Natchez on Nov. 11, 1918 to the late R.M. and Lizzie Black Helton. He, along with the family, moved to the Atmore area in 1923, residing in the Robersonville community. Mr. Helton was a graduate of Escambia County High School, following graduation he was employed with the old Patterson Lumber Co. in Atmore. He served in the U.S. Army – Air Force during WWII from 1942-46, serving in the European Theatre and receiving three battle stars. Upon discharge, he was a partner in Stallworth's clothing store on South Main Street and was later employed at the Atmore Equipment Co. where he remained for 10 years. In 1958 he went into business for himself, known as Helton's Tire and Appliance, being there for 33 years. He was a member of The First Baptist Church, serving as Scoutmaster of the Baptist Church Scout Troop, a past member of the Atmore Rotary Club, past director of the Atmore Chamber of Commerce, served on the Utilities Board for a number of years, appointed to the Board of Directors of the First National Bank in 1976 serving until 2002.
His parents; two brothers, John Neal Helton and Otis Helton and one sister, Gladys O'Gwynn, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include, his wife, being married in 1947, Irma Thompson Helton; one son, Robert Glenn Helton (Nancy); one daughter, Janet Shirley(Steve), all of Atmore; one sister, Marion Kyser of Marion, Ga. and two grandsons, Justin Shirley and Steven Shirley, both of Birmingham.
Services were held at 3 p.m. on Nov. 5, 2007 from the First Baptist Church of Atmore with the Rev. Kelly Brown and the Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating. Interment followed in Oak Hill cemetery.
Pallbearers were Danny Daniel, Donald Ray Helton, Gary Helton, John Garrard, Giles Chapman and Will Chapman.
Honorary pallbearers were John Smith Sunday School Class and past directors of the First National Bank.
Family received friends from 12:30 p.m. until service time on Nov. 5, 2007 at the The First Baptist Church of Atmore.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First Baptist Church of Atmore or a charity of your choice.
Johnson – Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.