Mr. Thomas Allen Helms

Thomas Allen Helms, 67, passed away on April 10 surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Tom unselfishly donated his body to science for further study of heart disease and pancreatic cancer. A memorial service will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, MS, on Saturday, April 15, at 2 pm. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 prior to the service. A graduate of Yazoo High School, Tom served his country in the United States Navy with overseas assignments in Italy and Greece. He then completed a two year electrical program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gautier, MS . He retired as an electrician from Nucor Steel Corporation and was formerly employed with Ingalls Ship Building and Mississippi Chemical Corporation. Tom enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, and rock and roll music. He also was a big fan of country music legends Merle, George and Loretta! He absolutely loved entertaining and cooking out for his family and friends. Tom had a great sense of humor and was a true jokester. He was known for his witty sarcasm and contagious laughter – always the life of the party, he liked to make sure everyone had a good time and had plenty to eat! He was a wonderful husband, dad and papa, a “big brother” and uncle to many. Tom will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Tom was preceded in death by his parents T.C. and Dollie Ruth (Mathis) Helms, and his loving daughter Emily Mathis Helms. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 43 years, Clair Hughes Helms, his daughter, the light of his life, Abby Ruth, and precious grandchildren Taylor Allen Eaton, Emily Alexis Eaton, Rachel Eaton and Mathis Weems, his mother-in-law, Emma Hughes, siblings June Warren (Roger), Judy Murray, Ricky Helms (Nancy), Joyce Warmack and Timmy Helms, nieces, nephews, in-laws and a host of friends. You are forever loved Thomas Allen.