FREDDIE HELTON
Freddie Helton was born Oct. 25, 1930, in Lee County to the late Ben Helton and Eunice Capers Helton. He was the fifth of 11 children and quietly departed this life at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter, on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
Freddie received his foundation in education from Good Hope School in Sumter. Freddie worked on the farm with his father growing up and eventually made a dual career out of farming and working at Williams Furniture, which eventually became known as Georgia Pacific, until he retired. In retirement life, Freddie enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and enjoying his daily morning breakfast at McDonalds with his friends discussing politics and solving issues of the community.
Left to cherish his precious memories are six daughters, Betty (David) Bolden of Sumter, Carolyn (Phillip) Sanders of Tampa, Florida, Cindy (Mark) Grant of Charlotte, North Carolina, Amanda (Kip) Thomas of Atlanta, Georgia, Mary Helton and Martha (Reggie) Ray, both of Charlotte, North Carolina; two sons, Claude (Deborah) Helton of Sumter and Col. Perry (Wanda) Helton of Stafford, Virginia; four sisters, Ernestine Brown of Newark, New Jersey, Audrey (Seigel) Jackson of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Barbara Hagans of Newark, New Jersey and Blundell Harris of Perth Amboy, New Jersey; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eloise Jackson Helton; second wife, Athlee John Helton; his parents, Ben and Eunice Helton; one son, Freddie Helton Jr.; three grandsons, Rodney Sanders, Termaine Sanders and Brandon Helton; three sisters, Addie Capers, Mamie Witherspoon and Mable Helton; and three brothers, James Hilton, Ben Helton Jr. and Walter Lee Helton.
In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation at the home, 2361 Stamey Live Stock Road, Dalzell.
Visitation will be Friday, April 5, 2024, from 2 to 6 p.m. in John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church USA, 907 Legare St., Sumter, with the Rev. Elijah Washington, pastor and eulogist.
The remains will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. for viewing until time of services.
The procession will leave the home at 10:15 a.m.
Burial will be in New Covenant Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 771 Martinville Church Road, Sumter.
Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online messages may be sent to the family at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.