Wilmer Ray Helton (Ray) was born in the small town of Frenchburg, KY on May 26, 1957. After serving in the U.S. Army, he followed his dreams of opening a towing service in Silver City, NM and spent years rescuing stranded motorists and volunteering at his church and with Boy Scouts. His passion was helping people and it was an average day for Ray to fix a car, drag someone out of a snow-covered ditch, feed a stranger, donate Christmas gifts to needy families, unlock a car or give the jacket off of his back, very often for free. Ray was also affectionately known as “Papa” and was a treasured, benevolent soul. He was a great father, brother, grandpa, husband and friend.
Papa was quick witted, generous, brilliant and kind. He had a reputation for being the guy you called when you needed help. In addition to his selfless lifestyle, he also volunteered at food pantries and led many groups of scouts on life changing adventures. He lived a life that illuminated his love for life and God. It brought him joy to see the spark in the hearts of anyone who reached out to him. The word “NO” was not in his vocabulary. When he wasn’t busy rushing to a rescue, he loved fishing, watching western movies, wood working, 4-wheeling, hunting, bouncing his grandkids on his knees and watching sunrises.
It was only natural for Papa to grow a long, white beard and don his fluffy red suit so Santa could bless kids and families with holiday cheer. He had sparkling blue eyes, a glowing smile and a hearty laugh. His favorite songs were “The Old Rugged Cross” and “I Can Only Imagine”.
He and his wife, Marcia, raised four children - Stella, Kelly, Darla and Davy but opened their home to countless children who they claimed as their own. In addition to the four children, he shared with his wife, Papa also cherished his daughter, Kathy (Kit Kat) and his son, Zebadiah; granddaughters, Alex, Peyton, Brook, Graci, Layni, Riley, Bella, Emma, Ray Ray, Aby, Emily, Keishana, A Dream and grandsons, Wiley, Lucas, Micha, Tucker, Daylonz and Taymone. Papa’s great grandchildren are Brynlee and one-on-the-way, Amiya, Sophia, Sevyn, Elijah, Jaybion, Alex, Onyx and Luke.
A Celebration of Life for Papa will be at sunrise, Sunday August 14, 2022, at Garden City pier where we welcome you to come share the sunrise together with his family and friends. His ashes will then go on a great adventure over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Although the grief has left a gaping hole in our hearts, we are thrilled to know he has fulfilled his greatest dreams…To meet Jesus face to face. Everyone became a better person for knowing you, Papa. Thank you for giving to the Lord. We are so glad you gave. Until we meet again…
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