Clyde Russell Helmintoller
Clyde Russell Helmintoller, age 78, of 602 Granville Avenue, Clifton Forge and formerly of Wesgate, died Thursday, December 7, 2023, at The Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation in Low Moor.
Clyde was born on October 17, 1945, in Clifton Forge to the late Wanda Armentrout Helmintoller. He was the former Owner/Operator of Country Garden Florist and a member of Epworth United Methodist Church. He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and University of Virginia sports, but was also very active in Alleghany Highlands sports. He served as a coach for the Central Charger football team, the boys and girls basketball teams, and Clifton Forge Little League Baseball and Softball teams. He made such a huge difference in the lives of those young boys and girls. Even to this day, they have continued to respectfully address him as “Coach” or “Coach Helmintoller” when they saw him, and his family has been bombarded with so many cherished stories of Clyde. His grandchildren were his world from the first day he became a “DA”, and he came out of retirement to coach them later in life. His love for his family is the legacy he leaves behind.
In addition to his mother, Clyde was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Dora McCaleb, and an uncle, Bud Reid; and several additional family members, Edith Reid, Elwood Reid, and Janet Reid.
He is survived by his wife, Beckie McCaleb Helmintoller of Clifton Forge; two daughters, Nikki Morris and husband Joey of Selma, and Megan Osborne and fiancé Patrick Pullin of Valley Ridge, Covington; a son, Jason Helmintoller and wife Deanne of Clifton Forge; a sister-in-law, Mary Beth Meyer and husband Mike of Richmond; a brother-in-law, Johnny and Susan McCaleb of Richmond; Mike Murphy, his daughter Liberty Williamson (who was Clyde’s goddaughter)and her husband Ben, as well as their son, Murphy; seven grandchildren, Shawn Helmintoller, Jacob Morris, Parker Osborne, Kenzie Morris, Paelynn Osborne, Burke Pullin, and Eli Helmintoller; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Mr. Chris Fisher and Reverend Eunji Kim officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Covington. Pallbearers will be Joey Morris, Patrick Pullin, Shawn Helmintoller, Jacob Morris, Parker Osborne, and Brandon Campbell. Ronnie Underwood will serve as an honorary pallbearer. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Nicely Funeral Home.
In honor of Clyde’s love for the Wahoos, please feel free to wear orange and blue, or UVA gear, to the funeral service.
The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Epworth United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 190, Selma, VA 24474 or to the Alleghany Athletic Club, 210 Mountaineer Dr., Covington, VA 24426.
To send condolences to the family online please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
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