Cover photo for Robert Helms Iii's Obituary
Robert Helms Iii Profile Photo
1946 Robert 2022

Robert Helms Iii

July 30, 1946 — December 9, 2022

Coach Robert Marion Helms III, 76, passed away on December 9th, 2022, in his home, surrounded by his closest friends and family members, after a hard fought battle against pancreatic cancer. He was born on July 30, 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama to Robert Helms Jr and Pauline Helms.

Robert graduated from Phillips High School in 1964 and went on to earn a BA from Livingston University and MA from Montevallo University.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Pauline Helms. He is survived by his wife Lonnie Ray Helms, his children Chris Helms (April), Kim Lackey (Daniel), stepson Jim Ray, grandchildren Kaylin Helms, Kia Jones (Jacob), Colten Helms (Alex), Krimson Helms, Houston Lackey, and Hunter Fals, great-grandchildren Whitt Jones, Clay Simmons, and Autumn Stephens. He is also survived by his loving sister Linda Pannell (Kenny) and nephew Dwayne Henderson (Donna).

Robert moved to Munford in 1971 to begin a long career as a teacher and coach at Munford High School, where he impacted many generations of students and community members. After retiring, he became a volunteer coach with the Randolph County High School Lady Tigers softball team where he continued to mentor student athletes. He may have been small in stature, but he demanded respect and discipline. He felt it was his duty to help as many female student athletes get scholarships to further their academic and athletic careers, and he took great pride in knowing he helped them.

Robert loved history, sports, trivia, traveling, playing cards, and attending church of late. Over the last few months, he loved going to Leon Stephens' house for Sunday dinner and fellowship.

He left an impression on so many people, with his quirky sounds and jokes, to his coaching stories, his drivers ed stories, and even some bus driving stories. Memories that lasted him a lifetime, as well as others.

Pallbearers will be Leon Stephens, Jimmy Mac Stephens, Corky Stephens, Bobby Hayes, Kenny Brewer, Tony Motley, Bill Chappelear, Billy Wilson, Jim McGill, and Thomas Pridmore. Honorary pallbearers are Robyn Wortham Thompson and the 2001 Munford Lady Lions State Softball Champion Team.

Visitation will be December 13, 2022 at Munford Church Of Christ from 4-7pm, followed by a Memorial/Celebration of Life service.
Burial will be December 14, 2022 at 12pm at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville.

In leiu of flowers donations be made to the Munford Lady Lions Softball Program or Randolph County Lady Tigers Softball Program.

Dad "Coach" will be deeply missed by all.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Helms Iii, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Public Viewing

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

4:00 - 6:00 pm

Munford Church of Christ

143 Main St, Munford, AL 36268

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Starts at 7:00 pm

Munford Church of Christ

143 Main St, Munford, AL 36268

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 96

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Missing ID
To enable this button, contact support.
Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree

Missing ID
To enable this button, contact support.