Steven Anderson Helms, Jr.

Steven Anderson “Sandy” Helms, Jr. passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023.

Sandy was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, on October 31,1936, to Steven Anderson “Andy” Helms and Lola Woolard. He attended a teacher’s training school from 2nd through 12th grade with mostly the same 26 classmates. Sandy graduated from North Carolina State University in 1958 with a degree in nuclear engineering. He was employed at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, working on nuclear powered submarines and the USS Enterprise. He married Elva Haley in 1962. They moved to Avon, Ohio, while Sandy worked at NASA Cleveland. After being blessed with the birth of two children, they moved back to Virginia in 1965, living in Stafford County as Sandy worked at Fort Belvoir in their nuclear power program. In 1983, Elva was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Sandy retired from Fort Belvoir to help care for his wife in the home for the next 3 years before her passing. He then worked at B&H Millwork for 25 years, partnering with friend Jim Berry; and continued to sell log homes under the name B&H Cedar Log Homes for another 22 years before retiring. It was at Joy’s Frozen Yogurt Shop that he met his current wife, and they were married at Resurrection Lutheran Church in 1997.

Sandy epitomized the “Fruit of the Spirit,” which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He served with Rappahannock Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Rappahannock United Way, Mary Washington Hospital Board of Directors, and Medicorp’s Capital Campaign for construction of the Cancer Center of Virginia. He was a member of Hartwood Presbyterian Church in Hartwood for 46 years, serving over 20 years on the Session and serving as Clerk for half that time. He was always a faithful volunteer where needed. Sandy also was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Stafford for the past 10 years.

Sandy is survived by daughter Sharon Johnston of Williamsburg; son Steven Anderson “Steve” Helms III, his wife Rhonda; and granddaughters Amy and Sarah Helms, all of Stafford County. Sandy spent the last 30 years being a devoted partner to his loving wife of over 25 years, Joy Helms. The two enjoyed their church community, traveling, interacting with friends, both families, and eating. Always eating. After all, frozen yogurt brought them together. Sandy was predeceased by his brother, Brian Helms, of Newport, North Carolina; and his parents.

Visitation with the family will be on Monday, June 5, 2023, from 4-7 pm at Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Hartwood Presbyterian Church on Thursday, June 15, at 11 am, lead by the Reverend Paul Toelke of St. Peter’s and the Reverend Dr. Scott Fouts of Hartwood.  He will be interred in the church cemetery following the service. Additional parking is located at 25 Hartwood Road by the fellowship hall.

To honor Sandy’s loving spirit, the family suggests any contributions be made to the Rappahannock United Way, Mary Washington Hospice, or a church or charity of your choice.